Advice please ..

Hello, I'm looking for some advice and would like to share my story. I have recently had a baby (12 weeks ago) and 6 months into my pregnancy noticed a new mole on my breast. It was growing and changing but didn't meet the ABCDE criteria so I've kept my eye on it. I tried to breast feed and extracted breast milk when my baby was newborn but unfortunately he had tongue tie so I couldn't continue to breast feed, however, since then I've noticed some symptoms... 
 

I have a swollen armpit, my nipples leak clear / milky fluid when squeezed and the mole I have has crusted over. I went to my GP to discuss the above and she checked me over and said she couldn't feel any swelling in my armpit and that my mole looked normal but to keep an eye on it and go back if I noticed any swelling. Last night I woke up having a night sweat, however I am sharing a bed with my husband and baby and it can get warm in there!

i guess my question is... are my symptoms due to being a new mum and fluctuating hormones (nipples leaking when squeezed, swollen armpits, sweating at night) or do you think I should go back and ask for a second opinion! The GP thoroughly checked me and said she could feel no lump or swelling, but I swear it is swollen. Any advice is appreciated, thank you. 

  • Hi,

    Congratulations on being a new mum.

    I can only say that none of your symptoms are indicative of a cancerous mole. There are usually no symptoms of melanoma other than the ABCDE rules of how the mole looks. If a mole is malignant and it's already spread, a lump may appear in a node in the armpit. However, it won't feel like a swollen armpit but will be a distinct hard, painless, immovable lump, the size ranging from a bean to a golf ball. Also, it's quite common for new moles to appear up to the age of 40.

    It's good that you've been checked out by your GP. If your symptoms persist or your mole changes then see your GP again but hopefully it's all caused by your hormones.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)