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Skin lesion on arm

Rosetattoo
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I went to the Dr as I thought I had a new mole. He referred me to the hospital. My appointment is on 4 June. My arm aches sometimes. I looked through old photos and I had this "mole" in October. It concerns me this has got worse and won't be at stage 1 as I thought that would be where I was as I thought I had only had this about 8 weeks. How long does it take to go from stage 1 to stage 2.my appointment is next week.

  • Hi Rosetattoo and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm sorry to hear about the lesion on your arm and for the worry this is understandably causing.

    You can find out more about melanoma skin cancer, including the different types and stages, on our website but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to answer your questions and put your mind at ease whilst you wait.

    Many of our members have contended with moles and/or skin lesions as well, so you are not alone on this journey Rosetattoo, and hopefully you will get to hear about some of their experiences soon.

    We're sending you all our support Rosetattoo and wishing you all the best for next week.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Rosetattoo,

    I'm sorry you are awaiting a dermatologist appointment but it's good that you don't have too long to wait.

    Firstly, the pain in your arm is very probably unconnected to your new mole - early stage melanoma doesn't have any symptoms and that is why it's best to keep a check on any moles on a regular basis.

    There is no 'timeline' for a mole progressing from the start of it's becoming malignant. Every patient's melanoma is different. Stage 0 & 1 are early stage because it's been caught before it's grown too deep. Stage 2 means it's grown deeper. However, melanoma can be Stage 1 and a year later not have grown any deeper for some patients, yet it could have continued to grow deeper for others. Melanoma is the most unpredictable of cancers & no one can second guess what it will do next before it's removed! 

    Having said all that, 75% of patients that get referred to dermatology get a clean bill of health (either the mole is benign or it's dysplastic which means it's precancerous). The GP has been proactive and sent you to see the experts so you will know more next week. Meanwhile, if it is melanoma, treatment has hugely improved since I was first diagnosed so you will be in good hands. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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