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Potential melanoma on my mother

AliofActing
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Hello, I hope everyone is well.

My mother has a mole on her lower back and has apparently had it for months, unbeknownst to me. She found out today that it's gone black inside and has blurred boarders, which I understand is a symptom is melanoma. 

She doesn't appear to have any other current symptoms. Is there anyway it could be something else? If not, I'd rather know as my heads been going round in circles for hours. 

Any help is appreciated!

  • Hello AliofActing and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    I'm sorry to hear about the changes that have occurred to your mother's mole and that there's a possibility it could be melanoma.

    This must be a very worrying time for you both but our members are here for you Ali and I'm sure some of them will be along soon to share their experiences and advice.

    You can find out more about the symptoms of melanoma, and have a look at some photos of abnormal moles, melanoma and skin changes, on our website but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses you can give them a call next week 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 ease your mind whilst you wait.

    We're sending you and your mother all our support Ali and will have our fingers crossed everything will be o.k.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi,

    I can understand your worry. Has your mum seen her GP? If not, try & get her to see her doctor so the mole can be assessed. She may need to be referred to see dermatology who are the experts at checking moles. Yes, your mum has some of the signs of melanoma but it doesn't always mean it is malignant. 75% of patients seen by dermatology find that their mole is either benign or dysplastic (aka as atypical or precancerous). Dysplastic moles are known as 'ugly ducklings' as they match some of the signs of melanoma but they aren't cancerous. However, they have the ability to become malignant in the future so that is why it's important that your mum sees her GP. If she has already seen her GP & been referred to dermatology, she will hopefully get an appointment through quickly. I hope this helps,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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