Hi Jan,

I know it's worrying when you notice a new growth/mole or a change in an existing one but it's good that you are seeing a dermatologist. When a GP refers a patient to dermatology it doesn't mean that their mole is definitely melanoma - it means that it's suspicious enough to need checking out by a professional. In fact, 75% of patients who are referred to dermatology find that their mole is either benign or dysplastic (precancerous). Over the years I've had 7 moles/lesions removed and only 1 was malignant.

If unlucky enough for it to be malignant, there is still a very good chance it's been caught early and can be successfully treated by removal. 

Try not to overthink it and don't Google as it just raises anxiety, especially as the information is years out of date and only focuses on worse case scenarios.

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

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)