1 week into 6 week wait for results

Just wanted to say hi as I’ve been lurking for a few weeks! Posting to see if anyone is at a similar stage or has a similar experience to mine so far!

I am 45 and noticed a new mole on my arm last year and only mentioned to my doctor when I went about something unrelated. To be honest I didn’t think that much of it as it’s not bothered me at all & didn’t look like anything obvious to be worried about but as it looked darker than all my other moles I thought I would check. My doctor agreed that it looked different to my other moles & seemed concerned that it was new as I’m over 40! (I can’t see it in pictures dating back to 2020 but can’t be sure when it popped up). She took a picture of it and sent straight through to dermatology who came back straight away the same day to say that it needs to be removed. I’ve had to wait 3 months for the operation to remove it and I am now 1 week into the 6 weeks I’ve told it will take for the results! I lead a busy life with children & my own business but this week has felt like the longest of my life! Trying to stay positive as I know the stats but can’t help feeling like there is only one outcome for a new mole this late in life! 

  • Hi Em,

    I'm sorry you are going through this & now have a long wait for your results. I know that new moles over the age of 40 are treated as suspicious but it doesn't definitely mean it's melanoma. It could be benign or dysplastic (precancerous). Since my first melanoma diagnosis in 1996 I've had several moles removed - 3 of them were new (in my 40's & 50's) & turned out to be benign, so try not to panic. If it is melanoma, it will hopefully be early stage & be successfully treated by surgery, so try not to dwell on it until you know the outcome. Keeping distracted is good - you've had to wait this long so keep up the good work for a few more weeks and hopefully the results will bring good news.

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thanks Angie I appreciate you taking the time to reply & hope you are in good health now! I will certainly let you know! Em x

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie, just wanted to let you know how I got on as you kindly took the time to reply to me! I was called last week to attend an appointment this morning so I knew it wouldn’t be great news but was told It was melanoma in situ so as good as I could have hoped for! I have to go back for a WLE just as a precaution but that is it! She did however find another x2 moles that we need to keep an eye on so I need to go back in 3 months to see if they have changed at all! I’m pretty relieved to be honest - looking back I noticed the mole over a year ago so things could have been much worse! Thanks again for your support & I hope perhaps my post could help someone else in the same boat! Results took nearly 8 weeks & I am in Cheshire East! Xx

  • Offline in reply to Em2468

    Thank you for the update Em, it helps others going through the same thing as you have.

    As you have said, an in situ is the best of a bad bunch & you will have no further problems once you have the WLE out of the way. In some ways it's been a good thing because your moles are now on their radar & you will be more observant to any changes. Speed is key to finding them at an early stage so you are right to feel relieved. From now on, checking your moles & sun safety will become second nature. All the best x

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Absolutely - thanks again Angie & take care xx

  • Offline in reply to Em2468

    Hooray! Happy for you Em.

    I am covered in moles and warts. 

    Apparently they are acceptable. 

    I am hoping the one expanding on my cheek leaves me some face.

  • Offline in reply to Hmm

    Thanks so much fingers crossed it’s nothing to worry about xxx