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mole removal panic

ka_0003
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Hi,

So a few years ago I spotted a mole on my left big toe which didn’t seem like it’d been there before + looked different to my other moles so I went in to get it checked by my gp. They said it looked fine and basically just if it seemed like it changed to come back but it wasn’t made a big deal out of, they didn’t tell me to come every few months etc so I think it just left my brain.

Fast forward to a few months ago I thought it’d gotten slighter big; honestly I’m not sure because I stupidly have no pictures from a few years ago and can’t remember fully but it just felt different so in February I sent some pictures to my gp via econsult and said I wanted to get it checked out. Randomly this week I got a call from my gp calling to book a mole removal; I was confused be cause in the econsult I just said I wanted it to be checked because I thought it had changed but when I clarified he said no yeah it’s a mole removal. I think because it had been over a month since the econsult + he called whilst I was doing something I was preoccupied so I didn’t ask more questions as he explained the process basically saying I had to be referred but needed to come in for an appointment first and just agreed. But at night it kind of hit me that a mole removal might mean something serious and I’m kinda freaking out - on the NHS app they’ve labelled it a Melanocytic naevus of skin but has it under significant so that’s made me feel worse.

 I’ve had some scares before , one with my feet too where my nail was blackening but it turned out to be a fungal infection in 2023 - I was referred to a cancer dermatologist but they said it was fine and even looked at the toe with the mole (to check the toenail) but didn’t even mention it so it’s never really seemed serious. I have two weeks till my appointment and just need some assurance/advice really on all the possible outcomes? I’m more worried bc I’ve had it for so long and I’m not sure when it changed if it even changed at all - I’m only 24 and it’s all a bit scary. Sorry this is so long - thanks  

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    Hi,

    I can understand how worried you must be, especially when it was several weeks later you got the call from your GP.

    I think what might have happened is that your GP sent the photos in your econsult to Dermatology for their opinion and they have now been told to see you in person & refer you so that your mole can be checked out in person and probably be removed. It sounds like your GP didn't tell you they were sending your photos off and this has all come as a shock to you.

    A melanocytic naevus is just the umbrella name for every type of mole there is (there are about 20) - it doesn't mean it's definitely malignant! 'Significant' is what the GP has to put if they are sending it to dermatology for their opinion - it just means the GP thinks it looks suspicious enough for it to be checked out further.

    I know that the length of time you've had the mole is worrying you but, if it is malignant, it doesn't mean it's always been malignant - it could have started to change in the last few months. If it hasn't changed to your knowledge, there is every chance it will turn out to be benign.

    Try not to worry - you will know more at your appointment & hopefully it will all be resolved quickly & with a good result. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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