Hi,

The GP can't diagnose it, only refer you. The further photos that were taken are then studied by dermatology. Further photography is done if they aren't sure if the lesion looks possibly cancerous. Hospital photography is far more detailed than the GP's dermascope photos. Dermatology will decide if they need to see you in person - I can't say how long it will take to hear from them but I would suggest making enquiries if you haven't heard after another 14 days. 

Sadly you can't just ask for it to be removed. They will remove and biopsy it as a matter of course if they think it could be cancerous. If, after checking the photos, they don't think it's cancerous, they won't remove it. In this case it would be classed as removal for cosmetic purposes and the NHS won't do that, it would need doing privately. I'm a melanoma patient and have had 7 dodgy looking moles removed - thankfully only 1 was cancerous. However, I have a large ugly mole on my neck that I would love removing. It's not dodgy though so I've been refused because it's 'cosmetic.'

I hope you aren't waiting long and it turns out to be fine. Please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you so much for your quick reply

I suppose I can experiment with make up.

I am mixed race and it was a rude awakening to realise that I was still at risk from skin cancer and do stay out of the sun as I dislike it a great deal and prefer the shade.

I'm not one of these people that love sun beds or roasting on a beach but have noticed sun damage on face so hopefully it's just a warning and that all is good

Hi 

I have had a reply and all is fine I think what panicked me was thst two gps thought it was suspicious and then being sent for a cancer check. So I'm really grateful to have tge results back

Thank you everyone for all your warm support