Hi,

Don't think about it because you are jumping way ahead and causing yourself anxiety.

You can't know the Stage because you don't know if it's melanoma yet. You won't know if it's melanoma until you've seen the consultant, they examine your mole using a dermascope and, if necessary, arrange it's removal to be sent for biopsy - the biopsy results will then tell you if it's melanoma & the stage (which is calculated from the depth the melanoma had grown down into the tissue).

Whilst waiting to see the dermatologist it's fine to check for lumps & bumps but do it correctly & don't become fixated on it. If it's a melanoma on your back, you need to check both groins & both armpits. Firm, even pressure with your fingertips (not poking & prodding) is all you need - look for a lump (size can be from a pea to a golf ball) that's painless and immobile. Too much prodding & poking can make nodes swell which then causes anxiety. Once a month is suggested. If you find anything that is worrying, you can then bring it up at your referral appointment.

Hopefully your mole is benign or atypical (precancerous/dysplastic). Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you for responding. That’s really helpful.

How long after the mole is removed does it take and do they give you a scan?