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Pre-Diagnosis, Signs & Symptoms On my way to melanoma

On my way to melanoma

Offline Stu1878 over 2 years ago

Hi folks

i just thought I would introduce myself,

i have a mole that has been growing for 18 months. Looked perfect to me but didn’t notice the growing.

when I eventually did, I went to the gp. They said that it doesn’t meet the criteria for referral.

therefore I have had to go private. I two weeks to wait until excision. I’m so anxious.

the mole is now at 5mm, 18 months ago when I noticed it, was on 2mm then. I know, I’m a fool

Moderator Jenn over 2 years ago

Hello Stu1878

I'm sorry to hear that you have some concerns about changes to a mole. Hopefully the appointment that you have arranged will offer you some reassurance.

If you'd like to chat through your concerns with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Best wishes,
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator
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Offline AngieT over 2 years ago

Hi Stu,

I know how worrying this is but try not to panic. If the only sign of change in your mole is that it's getting larger, there is still a good chance it will be benign or dysplastic (precancerous). Moles can change at any time but it's usually when it changes in 2 or 3 ways (size, colour, symmetry, itching, bleeding etc) that there is more chance it's melanoma. Hopefully your biopsy will come back clear (75% of patients referred to dermatology receive clear results).

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

Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009
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