Hi Ellie,

Numbness and tingling isn't a recognised symptom of melanoma so it may just be a coincidence that it's happening in the same arm and shoulder as your mole. Numbness and tingling  usually involves the nerve endings which aren't affected by melanoma.

Hopefully these will settle down for you whilst you are waiting to see the dermatologist. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Yes these symptoms can occur in advanced stages of melanoma but usually with patients who have progressed over a long period after diagnosis. It's not the mole that's caused the tingling and numbness, it would be the brain that's sending those signals and this happens when melanoma has spread to the brain. At present you have been referred for your mole to be examined and there is a 75% chance it's benign or precancerous. If it is melanoma, most newly diagnosed patients are early stage which means it's been caught quickly before it's grown deep enough for potential spread. There is less than a 1% chance of an initial diagnosis of advanced melanoma - those that are diagnosed as advanced have usually experienced other serious symptoms before seeking medical advice.

Please try not to jump ahead with your fears. You are young which is in your favour. Hopefully you will get an appointment quickly and your fears will be eased. 

How did you appointment go, @Elliekm? Any updates to share with us? :)

Hello, 

The urgent referral in my area 2 week wait is currently 5-6 weeks! So haven't been seen yet. 

It's absoutely driving me mad just waiting to hear. 

Oh, that's maddening! What county are you in if you don't mind me asking? x 

I am in norfolk x

Ah I'm not too far away – I'm in Essex! I'm assuming that my wait (after I eventually get seen by the derm) will probably be just as long! x