Hi, Robbo

First, I am no doctor. 

And no, those changes are not definitely cancerous. 

Does your GP use a dermatoscope when checking your moles? It s important to check them properly, as our eyes can not capture the underneaths. If he doesn t, maybe it s a good idea to ask for a derm. who is specialized in this kind of problems. 

Moles can change during our life time. My derm told me it s normal for us to develop new ones till our 30s and some of them change too. I ve had one with one white pimple on it and my derm said they can get inflamed like other part of our skin. 

You can not put a clear diagnosis without a biopsy/mole removal, which goes to a pathologist. So no, you can not say those are cancerous changes, but it is good to check everything that looks suspicious to you. 

Hi Anny

Thanks.  The thing is I've had this after 40 and at least several years now.  No nothing been used to check other than touching it and their eyes.  I'm going to ask for a referral but i'd got myself into a bit of a tizz about it.  I've Googled images, and of course I'm no doctor, but it seems to resemble a blue nevus but on a very very light coloured end of the scale???  Which should be checked as they can't differentiate between that and cancer but every time I've asked I've been told it's nothing to worry about about and we get new marks and bumps as we get older! I'll insist on a referral as I have private healthcare with my job so hopefully it won't be a problem.  I have an aunt that died of melanoma so I'm pretty hot with checking.

Thanks again

First, stop googling. I have done it too and tried to put all of my moles into categories which, when I met my derm., did not fit at all! Makes sense... they have medical training and we do not. Even if some might look the same like those on the internet, you can t tell only by their appearence, with naked eye. 

Yes, best would be to get a referral to a derm. They are specialists and have equipment. My mom is also a GP but I still go for my yearly check up with a derm. I ve noticed that her opinions are not the same as my derms (she keeps asking about moles that my derm is not concerned about).

Blue nevus can appear in so many ways (dark blue, white, lighter blue, even black). I ve had one taken out because it s hard to track them over time ( my derm told me those moles are too deep in your tissue and even with a dermatoscope you can not see the structures and blood vessels and it s better to take it out). 

So do not put your moles into categories based on what you find online, because only with a trained eye and a dermatoscope you can make an informed opinion, and if the doctor is at least slightly concerned, he would do a biopsy. 

Wish you best of luck and keep us updated on your situation!

You are very welcome

Thanks Anny

I know I shouldn't Google but its hard lol!  Yes as you say a gp knows a little about everything they're not specialists so will get a referral to a dermatologist.

I'll let you know what happens.

Thanks

Hi Robbo68,

I agree with Anny's advice. Don't Google as it will drive you mad. Your 'growth' could be one of several things so there is no point jumping the gun.

Your GP should follow the NICE guidelines & refer you to a dermatologist if they think it's suspicious or if they are unsure if it's suspicious. If, however, they are sure it's something benign & treatable then they may not refer you but prescribe a treatment. If you are unhappy about not being referred you can ask for a second opinion or they may be happy to refer you under your private health insurance. Make sure you tell them about having melanoma in the family as this should sway their decision if they are unsure.

Hopefully it will be something innocent & easily treatable. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi Angie and Anny

Went to GP and he is referring me.  He used a dermatascope and said ge could see some small specs but didn't feel they were anything to worry about.  It measured the same as it did 3 years ago but because of the small bleb that has appeared he's letting someone who knows more have a look.  Are they likely to take it off do you think?

Thanks

Robbo

Hi there, Robbo!

That s fantastic news! If he used a dermatoscope and said it didn t look like smt to worry, it s a more informed opinion than with naked eye. I m happy for you that you could get this thing checked so quickly. 

If the derm thinks it could present some dysplastic changes, most probably would do a biopsy. I don t think it would be taken off, because if it was something to worry about, your GP would have said so and made it clearly. Usually the first step is a biopsy if it s the case (if the dermatoscopy rises questions), and only then surgery if the results indicate so. But I don t think it is your case, now that your GP checked it. Btw., some derms are not impressed with mild dysplastic moles (if they biopsy and the biopsy comes like this), and choose to let them be and not take them off, just watch them over time. But this is Also your choice.

Keep us posted on your situation and I am Glad your GP is so proactive! 

In my many years of experience of dermatologists and my fellow skin cancer patients I would say that, on further examination they may decide to remove the growth for biopsy. It's not done there and then usually and the results take a few weeks to come back. If it comes back as skin cancer further surgery will be carried out to ensure safe margins have been taken. The dermatascope is a great piece of diagnostic equipment but dermatologists still sometimes err on the side of being careful and remove anything that they are still unsure of. Good luck and hope you get seen quickly.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi guys

Just wanted to update.  I'm so grateful that I have a fab proactive doctor.  From it starting to change on my holiday last week to having consultation at the hospital today it's been just over a week!!! 

The specialist I saw today was amazing. She checked every blemish I had - not expecting to get to the bra and knickers lol! - but so very grateful she made me and put my miind at rest - particularly the ones that I can't see on my back!  

So on my hand looks to be a blue nevus.  There's nothing dodgy looking about it and she thinks I have unknowingly scratched it ir irritated it at some point which has then caused the slight changes so quickly.  She said it was left to me whether I had it removed but situated where it is it's likely I'll keep catching it over the years and she would remove it.  So I'm going to get it taken off but then after I had a few questions.  She said she would punch it out as it's so small - is this literally what they do or is it just a term she has for removal would you know?  If it's a cut given that it's only 3mm round will the scar be minimal?

Thank you for all your advice and support.  

Robbo