Cancer Research UK main site

Mole check melanoma fears

Bear3
Offline

Hello I have many moles and have dark skin.  3 months ago I showed a gp a mole on my I had for years but was anxious.  She said looked normal but only looked at it.  She didn't use a dermascopy instrument which worried me.  Do gps not use them to check if moles look suspicious? Anxiety again struggling mentally sorry 

  • Offline

    Not all practices have access to a dermoscopy. When i had a dodgy thing on my leg, they took a pic and sent it to the dermatologist for them to decide whether it warranted further investigation. Dermatologists have insane backlogs since covid and i think the main issue was gps over referring people for anything and everything, Now, at least here in Scotland they have to send pics for the specialist to decide. I got seen and mine turned out to be a small blood vessel that had burst through the skin. But i was still seen as it was a hard nodule and looked every bit like some nodular melanomas do. 

  • Hello Bear3 and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry that you are feeling anxious about your mole. GP's are used to looking at moles and if you have had the mole for a few years and you have not noticed any changes then the mole is probably nothing to worry about.

    Most moles are harmless though it is important to report any changes if they occur.

    We do have some pictures of abnormal moles on our website which you may find helpful to look at.

    If you remain concerned or you notice any changes then do go back and see your GP or another GP in the practice that can give you a second opinion.

    I hope this helps. Try not to worry too much.

    All the best,

    Catherine

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.