Hello Jane, 

You did well to get this checked by the GP and to go back again to the doctor's when you noticed it was still there and the GP did well when they realised they didn't know what it was to refer you to a dermatologist at the hospital.

I am sorry though that the appointment with the dermatologist was a bit rushed and that it left you feeling really upset. Try not to think too much about what he said as he obviously didn't know so it could well not be dodgy. The biopsy will be the best way to know for sure. It won't be long now until the 23rd but the best thing to do really in the meantime is to stay well away from the temptation to Google as this will only lead to the scariest possibilities as you have noticed yourself. Try and put it all at the back of your mind. 

Make sure you mention on the day of your appointment that you are 6 months pregnant and they will be able to tell you more about whether they are safe or if you want to find out before, perhaps you could give your GP a quick call?  Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you would like to talk things through with them. 

The best thing to do really if you can is try and focus on your pregnancy, the joys of having a baby soon, and to put it all at the back of your mind until you get your results. I know this is easier said than done of course but try not to anticipate what it might be if you can. It is perfectly normal though to have this lingering cloud at the back of your mind and having to wait to know for certain what it is is the hardest thing. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news.

Great idea to be asked to be on the cancellation list - you never know I keep everything crossed you get a cancellation but in any case it's only a matter of a few days now before you have your biopsy even though time may seem to pass very slowly. 

It's perfectly normal to be worried and I hope that you will hear from other members of our forum who have been in a similar situation before. 

I am keeping everything crossed for you  that everything turns out to be fine. Best of luck too for the last trimester of your pregnancy! I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Janet,

Just wanted to add a little to the advice Lucie has given you.

Unfortunately dermatologist's get criticised whether they say something or not. Some will not commit themselves with an opinion, quite rightly because no matter how experienced they are they can still be wrong, whatever they think. That's why only a biopsy can confirm if it's cancerous, benign or dysplastic (precancerous). I've had 7 moles removed over the years. The first was melanoma and my dermatologist said she thought it might be - even got a second opinion that confirmed her opinion (before dermascope were invented). The remainder were removed mainly because she was unsure - they were all benign. So they can't get it right every time.

Regarding the local anaesthetic - I think it's only general anaesthetic that may cause a problem if pregnant - however I would mention it to the surgeon.

Don't Google - every melanoma looks different so internet images are just a 'guide'. You will just worry yourself for no reason.

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

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie & Lucie, 

I got my results today and the results showed no evidence of dysplasia or malignancy! 
I am so relieved, emotional and so, so grateful for this result. It has been a dark cloud over me for months, and took the joy of Christmas away, and my last few weeks of pregnancy (I have 10 weeks to go). 
I want to thank you both for the re-assurance and positive thoughts & advice you sent my way, It was soothing at the most nerve wracking time. 
I am going to make sure I do a mole audit however on my body every 3 months, and I'm never going to use a sunbed again. 
I wanted to update this thread as I searched hours for similar situations to mine, many never updated with results which led to even more turmoil. 
Thank you from the bottom of my heart x 

Hi Jane

I'm so pleased your results were clear. Thank you so much for updating us - as you say, there are very few who return with their good news results so it's hard for those awaiting results to think positively. 

It's good that you will now keep track of your moles. Hopefully you will never have another mole scare but if you do, you will catch it early. It's also good that you will keep off sunbeds - please share the message with friends and family. You can now enjoy your pregnancy fully - best wishes xx