Melanoma

Hi

i had a mole removed 3 weeks ago, and they told me that they were 99% sure it was melanoma. My sister told me about this mole 2 years ago and, stupidly, I didn’t do anything. Am so worried that I have left it too late 

Parents
  • Hi,

    I know how worried you must be but please try not to stress about leaving it too long. We all do it (I left mine for a year before seeking advice). Melanoma can be slow growing in the majority of patients so, if yours turned out to be malignant (which there is a chance it won't be), it doesn't necessarily mean the 2 year delay has made things worse.

    75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health - their moles being either benign or dysplastic (precancerous). So the odds are good that yours may be fine. If it isn't, it could still be caught before it's grown deeper so try not to worry until you know the results. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Reply
  • Hi,

    I know how worried you must be but please try not to stress about leaving it too long. We all do it (I left mine for a year before seeking advice). Melanoma can be slow growing in the majority of patients so, if yours turned out to be malignant (which there is a chance it won't be), it doesn't necessarily mean the 2 year delay has made things worse.

    75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health - their moles being either benign or dysplastic (precancerous). So the odds are good that yours may be fine. If it isn't, it could still be caught before it's grown deeper so try not to worry until you know the results. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Children