Hi,

Your mole will be checked using a dermascope which will show if there are any changes in the cell structure. The dermatologist will then decide if your mole needs removing for a biopsy. This is usually done at a later date under local anaesthetic as a day surgery patient.

75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health so there is a good chance your mole is fine. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie,

Thank you for explaining, I appreciate it. I feel a little less in the dark now with what to expect! That has calmed my nerves. 

I will post an update after my appointment should anyone else stumble across this post and wonder what happened. 

K xx 

Hi Angie,

Thank you for explaining, I appreciate it. I feel a little less in the dark now with what to expect! That has calmed my nerves. 

I will post an update after my appointment should anyone else stumble across this post and wonder what happened. 

K xx 

Hi, I just thought I would add my experience to the mix. I'd had a mole on my upper arm for decades, it was checked in 2012 and I was told it didn't look abnormal. During 2021-22 I thought it felt more raised but I put off getting it checked for one reason or another. Then on 30 June I found a lump in my breast so I went to see my GP the next day about that, but also asked her to look at the mole. She referred me for both on the 2WW pathway. I saw a dermatologist on 19 July, he asked if there were any other moles that I was concerned about, and he checked my back. He said the mole on my arm and one on my lower back showed signs of precancerous changes and he recommended I have them removed. I was sent an appointment for 16 August. In the meantime I'd attended the breast clinic and was told it was highly likely I had breast cancer. I was due to attend to get my results on 9 August. I wanted to get the moles sorted before going back to the breast unit and possibly starting treatment immediately, so I called the dermatology department and they brought my appointment forward 7 August. The moles were excised with a 2mm margin and I was told they would be analysed to exclude malignant melanoma. About six weeks later (after I'd started chemo) I got a letter to say the results had come back benign. I do hope your appointment goes well and that you get good news. Best wishes, Amy x

Hi Amy,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I feel a little less anxious now. I'm glad that you got a positive outcome about your moles, and so sorry to hear about the breast cancer diagnosis. 

I truly hope you are doing well. 

All the best, K xx

Thank you, K. Yes, I am doing well, thanks. I am now cancer-free! Amy x

Oh that's great news, I am so happy to hear that! Hope you have a great week. K xx