Thank you so much Steph!

I got an earlier appointment and my GP said there isn't too much to worry about given that area hasn't been in the sun and that I'm young, she was really helpful

Thank you for the links as well, I think the googling has definitely done me a huge disservice haha

Isaac

Hi Isaac,

It's good that you have a GP appointment arranged. Please don't Google anymore as it will just drive you crazy. There is nothing that Google or anyone here can advise you do whilst awaiting your appointment other than being patient. Your GP will examine your mole, possibly with a dermascope, and will determine if it looks fine or it needs further investigation, in which case you will be referred to dermatology. 75% of patients that present with a dodgy mole are given a clean bill of health so hopefully yours will turn out to be fine. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie,

Thank you very much for your reply, I've seen your answers elsewhere and the 75% figure you present is really helping me, I just recieved a letter in the post referring me for a photo to be taken at my nearest hospital, obviously this has me worried but not as worried as I would have been without your help and without my GP and other forum posts saying the likelihood of it being malignant is pretty low given my age and the fact I'm not really exposed to the sun much. If there's any afvice you may have I'd be really happy to hear it

Thank you again,

Isaac

Hi Isaac,

They usually photograph the mole for two reasons - to see if it looks suspicious enough that they need to examine it OR so they can monitor it for any changes. It's like a 'triage' for moles! A dermatologist will examine the photos and either call you in so they can look at the mole with a dermascope or they will tell you to return for more photos in a period of time, usually a few months, or they will say it looks fine. 

Hopefully it will be fine, especially due to your age etc.Let us know how it goes,

Angie

Hi again Angie,

I just got a letter confirming another dermatology appointment with a hospital further away, that once again has me pretty anxious as it seems like they've found something worrying, any more information would be very appreciated, really does have me worried sick

Thanks again,

Isaac

Hi Isaac, 

Dermatology have obviously looked at the photos and think they need to look at the mole with a dermascope. This will show any cell changes that may need further investigation or it will hopefully show nothing sinister is going on. If further investigation is needed they will suggest the mole is removed for a biopsy. This will show if the malignant, benign or dysplastic (precancerous). It's a simple procedure done under local anaesthetic as a day patient and then results take a few weeks to come back. Being called in doesn't definitely mean it's going to be bad news at the end of the day. In fact, I've just replied to Lucie whose biopsy came back clear so try not to worry. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie

Hi Angie,

I went to the Dermatologist today, and it took him about 5 deconds of checking with the dermascope before he said it was nothing to worry about and to check every few months to see if there were any changes. He didn't even suggest taking it off. Looks like I'm in the clear!

I honestly cannot thank you enough for your help, the replies you've made in this thread and others (particularly the 75% figure and your own story of living with melanoma) calmed my nerves so much over the last month and a half of anxiety, thank you, thank you, thank you

Isaac

Hi Isaac,

I'm so glad you've got the all clear from dermatology and that my posts have helped you. Just keep an eye on your moles as advised and then if anything changes you can catch it quickly. Also, thank you for updating your post as it helps others going through the same worries.Take care,

Angie