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New mole developed over a few weeks - very worried

LisWorried
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Hi everyone,

I've never posted here but looking for some advice regarding a new mole that has appeared on my partner's wrist. It's small, probably about 3mm, and flat and seems to be a uniform light brown colour but it has appeared literally in the space of about 2 weeks! I know this for definite because we were on holiday about 3 weeks ago and it's not there in any of the pictures of him from that trip. 
 

We are making him a GP appointment to get it checked out but I am absolutely sick with worry because of how quickly it's grown and appeared. Can benign moles ever appear this quickly or is this most likely to be skin cancer? He's 32 years old and of Mediterranean origin but he is so careless in the sun and hardly ever uses spf. 
 

thanks in advance for any advice 

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    You've done the right thing by booking an appointment. 
     

    your doctor will be able to provide guidance. 
     

    however, moles are not completely uncommon in your 30s.

     

    The important bit is the ABCDE rule.

    is it asymmetrical? Defined borders? Colours? Diameter? Evolving? 
     

    from what you've said, it sounds like it's just a new mole. 
    But a GP will be able to help. 

    please keep us posted, don't worry and avoid Google.
     

     

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    As Stu has pointed out, new moles before the age of 40 are natural, after 40 they are treated with more suspicion. New ones tend to pop up quickly and old ones can disappear too! It sounds like this mole isn't breaking any of the ABCDE rules but it is always best to get it checked out anyway. His GP may ask for a photo emailing so they can assess whether to see your partner in person or forward it to dermatology for their opinion.

    Good luck and please let us know how he gets on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you both for your replies. 
     

    The GP saw him today (very quick) and said the size, shape and pigmentation is all normal so they won't refer him to dermatology. I'm not completely satisfied with this just because of how quickly it has appeared. I actually work in plastic surgery so I spoke to one of the doctors and they said that they would have done a referral to dermatology (although the pictures do look normal) so they suggested to take pictures of it for the next few weeks and if there are any changes to go back to the GP so that's what we will do. 
     

    Thanks again for your replies, I really appreciate it 

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