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Referred to dermatology from medical illustration

daisychain00
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Hi all. I'm 24 and female 

I went to my GP in mid-March about a few moles which I wanted to get checked out. One or two definitely seemed to be new but I couldn't say for sure exactly when they might have appeared before noticing them. I haven't noticed any particular changes or moles that are growing, but I've only now started keeping proper track of them. 

the doctor said none were raising alarm bells, but he photographed one small very dark mole on my upper inner thigh (not sure what it measured at the time but I just measured myself for the first time and it's around 4mm) and said he would send it to dermatology for a second opinion - after which time I kind of forgot about it. 

some time around the Easter weekend (so around 3 ish weeks after seeing the GP) I had a call from medical illustration asking me to book in to get photographs taken of the mole, which included shots with ultrasound gel and a special dermatology lens. The photographer said if the dermatologist thought there was nothing to worry about, I probably wouldn't hear anything, but he may ask to book me in for an appointment within a week or two

Just over a week later I received a call from dermatology who booked me in for an appointment next week but didn't mention much about what would happen there. I asked did I need to prepare or bring anything and he said no. 
 

what tends to happen in these initial appointments with the dermatologist? Would he have told me if I was going to be getting it removed in the appointment? If it's not going to be removed but it's suspicious enough to warrant an appointment, what will be discussed?

I'm feeling extremely anxious and thinking about all the worst case scenarios as I can't pinpoint when it appeared since it's in a location where I can't notice it too easily, so I'm really worried about the possibility that it's been there for a while. I just want it removed so I know it's done - if he thought it was serious would I be having it removed on the first appointment?

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    Hi,

    I think the dermatologist will look at your mole using a dermascope and decide if it requires removing for biopsy. Removals are rarely done at the initial consultation as they need theatre time and staff. An appointment is usually made for day surgery undertaken under a local anaesthetic.

    75% of patients referred to dermatology receive a clean bill of health so, even if your mole needs a biopsy, there is still a chance it's not malignant. 

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie

    Thanks so much for your words of advice. I believe that when I went for medical illustration, the photographer used a dermoscope when taking some of the images which were sent to the dermatologist - which is why I wonder what those images might have shown to prompt the appointment.

    Keeping everything crossed and will definitely update you when I can!

  • Offline

    Just had my appointment after the longest week of worrying and overthinking. The doctor took a look and didn't seem too concerned but said we should just remove it for peace of mind. She said she obviously couldn't say whether it was malignant or just atypical until it's removed, but my mind has been put at ease for the time being!

    She looked at some of my other moles and wasn't worried about any of them which was great.

    having the procedure on 16th May - looking forward to getting it done, finding out exactly what it is and hopefully getting back to some normality!

  • Offline in reply to daisychain00

    So happy to say that I heard back from the doctor after 7 weeks to say that the mole was something called a Spitz naevus, an atypical mole common in children, and completely benign. Panic over!

    I know I’m one of the lucky ones and I appreciate all the support I’ve had. A positive of the experience has 100% been how much more careful and vigilant I’m going to be with my skin now, even though this time I was all clear. 

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