Urgent skin cancer referral

I got a mole checked out at the gp, I’m 17, its over 1cm big and has a blotchy red ring around it along with it being raised and dark coloured in the centre and I was told I’d be contacted by a dermatologist in a week but I got an email with an urgent appointment the same day. Is this normal? I’ve looked at other people stories out of paranoia and my symptoms seem to just keep pointing to the worst. I also have underlying health problems and I don’t know how this is going to affect me, should I prepare for the worst? Now that I’m being more observant I looked at some other smaller moles on my arms and I just can’t stop thinking about it. My family has a history of skin cancer so could this be why I got an appointment so quickly? I don’t know, I’m worried and waiting for this appointment is stressful haha. I’ve just never heard someone as young as me have it so I'm hoping it’s ok. 

  • Hi Noah_1,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand the speed of the appointment has caused some concern - it may just be that they had availability sooner than expected. Ultimately it means you will be seen sooner and therefore get some answers more quickly, which is good.

    If you have worries about other moles, you can speak to the doctor about this at the appointment also.

    Try to keep busy while you wait to help keep your mind off any worries, and I hope it's not too long to wait for the appointment.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Noah, 

    I was just wondering what the outcome of your appointment was? I hope you had a positive one! 

    I have a similar story to yours and my mum currently has stage 3 melanoma. I’ve had an ugly looking freckle on my breast for many years and it has recently changed colour and is itchy. Suppomy mums diagnosis has made me more aware. 
    I went to my GP yesterday (Monday)  and was referred as an urgent referral, and I’ve already received  my appointment this morning for Thursday. 

    Look forward to hearing from you x

  • Hi, sorry for a late reply. The results of my appointment were good! I just need to go back every few months to see if everything is okay. 

    How did your appointment go? I hope everything went well! I think it’s just good to get checked out for things like this.
    Thank you for replying to my post