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Stressed and worried that the mole on my shoulder is melanoma

KING5TON
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I have a itchy sore mole on my left shoulder blade and also discovered a small hard pea shaped lump in my armpit closest to the mole. As far as I remember the mole was itchy and sore about 2 months ago but the pain and itchyness went away after a few days to a week so didn't really worry. The soreness was probably because I scratched it without thinking. I  also felt the lump in my armpit probably around the same time and had some random pains in my armpit, ribs and arm all on the same side, the pains passed after a few days but the lump remains and so I didn't really worry either. The lump is sore afterwards if I feel it 

This week the itchyness and soreness to the mole came back so I took it more seriously and checking online what it might be and the results along with the lump are rather worrying. I've taken pictures of the mole (with some difficulty due to it's location) and it's a little oddly shaped,  slightly different shades of very light brown and has somewhat ragged edges. Hard to tell how big it is, probably around 1cm

I've managed to secure a GP appointment on Monday but I am extremely stressed, worried and feel really low that it might be melanoma that's at least stage 3. I don't know if it's psychosomatic but I also feel run down and generally meh. 

Have my fingers and toes crossed that it's nothing and I'm stressing for nothing but hard to break out of the low feeling. Any advice? 

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    Hi Kingston,

    Was this an existing mole you've had a long time or a new one that you've become aware of due to it itching etc? If new, are you over 40? I only ask because it's not common to get new moles over the age of 40 so your GP will take that into account.

    The lump in your armpit may be a coincidence but your GP will examine the area & decide if, along with how the mole presents, you need to be referred to a dermatologist. If so, the dermatologist will take a look & decide if the mole needs removing for a biopsy. Nodes can swell for several reasons other than cancer & they don't like being constantly prodded, so try not to touch it before you see your GP as that may be the reason it's feeling sore.

    There are usually no symptoms for melanoma that's spread to the lymph nodes - other than a swollen, hard, painless, immoveable lump. Feeling run down etc may be due to the worry and the constant warm weather taking it's toll. Or it may be that your body is silently fighting an infection you aren't aware of (it happens a lot) and your swollen lymph node is just doing it's job!

    You will know more at your appointment. Try not to worry and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    I'm 49.

    Due to its location on my shoulder blade I have no idea if it's new or something I have had since birth to be honest. When it first started itching I must have scratched it absent mindedly and only took a look in the mirror when it started hurting and saw what looks like a mole.

    To be honest I don't keep track of any moles I have and don't inspect myself for things like this and unless something reoccurs or lasts longer than two weeks I generally don't worry too much. 

    I normally pretty chill about things but for some reason this instance has affected me quite dramatically.

    I will let you know how I get on with the appointment and any follow up. 

    Thank you

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