Hi,
I am new to this, but have been reading many of the threads. For context, I am a health anxiety sufferrer, and therefore, being referred means 'normal' (whatever that is) anxiety levels are far exceeded in my world. Whether there is something to worry about or not.
I am 40 yrs old. I have a mole on my neck, which has always been an odd shape and relatively large. When I say always, this mole appeared in my late 20's. I had it checked a few years back, and the GP assured me it was normal, and I went on about my day.
In recent months (not really sure how many months), it has changed. I went to a private skin clinic, as GP appointments are hard to come by.
The Dr's words were - it has 4 colours, irregular borders, asymmetrical, and is large (15mmX6mm). It has a lacy network, slightly raised, but the blood vessels are good.
I believe that it has evolved slightly, not hugely, but it has got darker.
He summarised with: - 'He doesn't think it is melanoma, but it is at least atypical. You should be referred by your GP on the 2 week rule'.
PANIC STATIONS. I went to see the GP and he reviewed, he agreed, it was irregular, but the two week rule seemed extreme to him. He also said that there were many features that were positive. It wasn't 'barn door melanoma'.
I have gone the private route. I have a dermatology appointment next Wednesday. It can't come soon enough, but I am petrified of what they will say.
You generally only hear the results that end up being melanoma, rather than those that show all of the ABCDE signs (as mine does) and end up being benign. Even on this forum, most threads are of a positive for MM result rather than - actually, nothing to worry about - but I want to believe that that is because people don't close off the thread.
I am so scared!
