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Referred due to suspicious dermascope - melanoma

Maxmoo
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Hello

I am feeling pretty terrified due to a fast track referral being sent following a dermascope that was done on a spot on my arm with the results stating suspicion of melanoma.

I have had this spot/mole for over 2 years and had a dermascope done 18 months ago which came back as benign or ingrown hair growth, but this latest dermascope says suspicion as asymmetrical. Am so terrified. Has anyone had anything similar? Am hoping for some positive experiences to make this 2 week wait more bearable. 

Thanks 

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    Hi Maxmoo

    I am in the same baot as you. I went for a dermatology app for a blood blister that wouldn't go away, and now I have to go back in on 23rd for removal/biopsy with the dermatologist simply saying: "could be dodgy, could be not dodgy" (re-assuring, NOT!)

    The waiting is the worst thing ever, I am trying to take my mind off of it, but it is all I can think about. Just to let you know you are not alone. Keep me posted on your outcome, as will I 

    Jane x

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    H,

    I know how worrying this is for you and the waiting is the worst part. It's best to try and find a distraction to get you through - either work or hobbies. It's good that the lesion is being removed so you know for sure what it is. Neither the dermascope or the dermatologist's experience can tell if it's malignant, only a biopsy can do that. That means that a large percentage of lesions/moles removed are found to be benign or dysplastic (precancerous), only a small amount are melanoma. So there is a good chance yours may be ok. If it's melanoma, there is a good chance it's early stage (not deep) and easily treatable. So try not to panic and think too far ahead.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to JaneLCF

    Hi Jane,

    I hope my words to Maxmoo help. Hopefully yours will also turn out to be fine. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you AngieT and Jane for your replies.

    Thank you for the positive words Angie, that is so much appreciated. I am trying to steer away from Dr Google so to have some facts (positive ones) helps!

    I hope all goes well for you Jane on 23.01.23, some medical staff have no idea how worrying their choice of words can be. Keep thinking positively and fingers crossed we both get good outcomes. Let me know how it goes.

    Thanks 

    M

  • Offline in reply to Maxmoo

    Hi 

     

    I am also on a two week pathway after an existing mile has changed. 
     

    I too am petrified. Googling to find reassurance does not help, but it also doesn't stop me. I've found this forum probably the most reassuring. 
     

    I hope you're appointment goes well. Keep us posted. 
     

    I hope all goes well when you 

  • Offline in reply to KMFearful

    Hi,

    If you must Google I suggest you only look at the following organisations whose information is correct and up to date - Melanoma UK, Melanoma Focus and the British Association of Dermatologists. 

  • Offline in reply to Maxmoo

    How did you get on? Praying for a positive outcome for you 

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