Hi,

You hit the nail exactly on the head in your last paragraph. I always ask posters to update us on their results but very few that were given clear results come back. However, I can tell you that 75% of patients referred to Dermatology do not have melanoma. Their moles are either benign or atypical (dysplastic/precancerous). 

it's good that you have arranged a private referral so that you aren't worrying for the next few weeks. I can't say I'm impressed by your GP's comment unless he has specialised in dermatology! 

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

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you Angie for responding. You're posts are always reassuring. 
 

keep calm and see what happens next I guess. 

Hi

I had a mole on my leg for many years and in May I woke up one morning and felt the mole itchy and gut feeling told me to contact GP. Tried for 3 days to get through without success so physically drove to surgery and insisted my leg be looked at. 5 days later saw GP who immediately  measured it, took picture and referred  me to a "Step Up" clinic to see dermatologist which took 11 days. Dermatologist assured me nothing was wrong and nothing sinister to worry about but would refer me to local practice but would take weeks as no urgency. How wrong they were  Saw another dermatologist in July  who wasn't happy and referred me for biopsy  In August I was diagnosed  with melanoma and wider excision carried out with skin graft. Dermatologist  also noticed suspect mole on back which was also cut out but that subsequently proved OK.  Now I am on pathway and regular check ups will ensue but constant  worry looking for any suspect lesions   Does anyone know best suncreen to use I.e F50 for face and F30 for body. Dermatologist did mention Sunsense  but think it is discontinued. It is scary but don't be fobbed off 

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Altruist, Life Jacket and Ultrasun are the brands preferred by most melanoma patients. Altruistic was founded by a Dermatologist whilst Life Jacket have done a lot of work with skin cancer charities. 

Angie

Hi 

I'm sorry to hear this. I'm not diagnosed one way or the other at the moment, so it's a waiting game. 

I presume that your treatment was surgical and now surveillance is what is needed. 
 

even without a MM diagnosis, the thought of being in the sun already scares me. So thankyou angieT for the recommendations. 

Hi

Just a quick post regarding sunscreen, I use Ultrasun and it is fantastic.  I use their Face 50 every day even in winter as its the UVA that you need to be careful with, they also do a wide range of body sunscreen too, my husband swears by the sports range, factor 50 which is almost a liquid, but it really does work, he was out all day on a building site and does not burn.

You can get Ultrasun online, sometimes QVC does good deals on duo's, worth comparing prices though.

I  rarely get sun on my body, I got badly sunburnt years ago and now have a mass of moles on my torso that I keep a close eye on! Rather stay covered up now.

Thanks Marie.  I see so many different opinions it is confusing with some saying mineral content and now "broad spectrum" sunscreen.  There is one I have seen called Altruist that you get from Lloyd's chemist which has been devised by dermatologists but have never seen it    I will try ultrasun but I find some sting my eyes 

Hi

Yes it took 4 weeks to get a diagnosis which is a long time! Surgically removed but told it will take 18 months as skin graft did not work. Like you I am really concerned about being in the sun, especially as I like gardening   I do not want t to become a hermit or a tisocial in the summer.

Thanks Angie. I have just replied to another post regarding Altruist. Can you buy in a chemist or does it need to be online. Where do I obtain LifeJacket. Thank you 

Altruist can be bought from Amazon or Lloyds online (if the branches are out of stock). Life Jacket can be bought from their website.