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Possibly advanced melanoma? Or just anxiety?

RioCam
Offline

I'm 25, afab, and I found a mole under my right breast when doing a self-check. I have never used sunbeds, and I don't spend much time in the sun. No family history of skin cancer as far as I am aware!

I went to the GP to get it checked, and she sent a photo to the dermatologist, and checked my lymph nodes, and said she could feel them in the right armpit. I've checked them myself and I don't think they move when I poke them which is a bad sign, but I'm not entirely sure what that should feel like!

I have spent the past two days in almost constant panic, feels like I've read every page on the internet about melanoma and lymph node metastases! I wish there were articles about how frequently it's NOT cancer...

I missed a call from the GP yesterday evening, and when I phoned back today was told she would be in touch on Thursday (today is Tuesday). This hasn't helped my anxiety.

Please help! I feel like I have self-diagnosed stage IIIc melanoma and given myself a very poor prognosis. 

  • Hi RioCam and welcome to the forum.

    I'm so sorry for the stress and worry this has been causing but I want you to know that we are here for you and sending all our support your way.

    I can see you'll be hearing from the GP today. I hope the phone call goes well but if you have any questions or concerns playing on your mind after you have spoken with them then you're welcome to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses. They're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to support you and put your mind at ease.

    Hopefully some of our members who have contended with suspicious moles will be along soon to share their experiences and advice as well.

    We're thinking of you RioCam and will have our fingers crossed everything will be o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Steph, thank you for your kind reply. I have heard from the GP today, she says the dermatologist is happy that the mole is benign, but to keep an eye on it and my lymph nodes, and schedule a follow up if they continue/get worse. I also had blood tests yesterday, which came back normal/satisfactory, so I'm feeling somewhat reassured. Hopefully the lymph nodes swelling will go down!

  • in reply to RioCam

    That's great news RioCam, I'm so pleased for you.

    I'm glad you're feeling somewhat reassured and hopefully the swelling on your lymph nodes will start to go down soon.

    All the best,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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