Urgent 2 week dermatology cancer check

Hi everybody!

I've had a blue nevus mole just above my ankle on my right leg for as long as I can remember (im 42) I've had it checked a few times especially over the last few years due to health anxiety and each time was told it was OK. Nothing has changed with it at all over time but still went back to the GP a month ago to get a few moles checked including the one on my leg. She mentioned it being a strange colour (which it has always been) looked at it under a dermascope and took some pics to send the dermatologist for a 2nd opinion. I received a letter yesterday with an urgent appointment cancer check and am now *** myself!!!

  • Hi,

    If you've had the mole for many years and it hasn't changed, the odds of it being melanoma are vastly reduced. However, that doesn't mean that the cells couldn't have started changing recently & that is what has been picked up from the telederm photos. The dermatologist will now want to check it for themselves, using the dermascope &, if unsure about it, may suggest it's removed for biopsy so they can get a definitive answer. 75% of biopsy results are benign or dysplastic (also known as atypical or precancerous - if left in situ they could become cancerous). 

    Try not to overthink it whilst waiting for your appointment. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)