HI,

NICE guidelines advise GP's and nurses what to look for when deciding whether to refer a patient to dermatology. Just going on the fact your spot is small isn't enough for them to make a decision. It may be nothing, but if you are unhappy to watch & wait, ask your practice if they have a GP who is trained in dermatology and can examine your sun spot with a dermascope (a handheld microscope that they can take photos with - it shows them if the cells in the spot are changing). They can then decide if you need referring to dermatology. If they don't have a trained GP, make an appointment with a GP - you are within your rights to ask for a second opinion. If you are happy to watch & wait, I suggest you take a photo of how the spot looks today - then take another in 2 weeks & another 2 weeks after that. Compare the photos & if you notice any change in the size or colour or shape, get another appointment. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)