Hi Chimpfan71,

I understand how terrifying this must be - I, myself, don't suffer from anxiety but I do know several people that do & it takes a lot for them to see their GP, but once they've done it they can then manage to focus on the next step (should there be one). Anxiety & depression are debilitating, however, leaving something that has the possibility of being a serious health risk needs to be considered fully. The longer it's left the more chance it will be more serious. I'm not saying the growth on your leg is something serious, but until it's checked out you won't know. The longer you don't know the more you will worry which feeds your anxiety. So at some point your anxiety is going to be worse if you don't know, than if you do. 

Do you have anyone you are close to & can trust that you can confide your fears in? Would they be happy to accompany you to the GP to give you support? Perhaps ring the GP first & explain your anxiety & depression - they may arrange for a practice nurse to be there when you attend, for more support. Once you get there the GP may say that the growth is a benign condition & your fears will be laid to rest. If the GP says they are unsure & want to refer you to the dermatology clinic at the hospital don't panic - this is routine as the dermatologist knows far more about lumps, bumps, spots etc than a GP. If you have been under the same GP for some time & they treat you for your anxiety etc they will be very considerate & supportive at your appointment. 

So, my advice is to find someone you can go with for support, tell your GP about your anxiety beforehand so they can accomodate you accordingly at your appointment and meanwhile seek out something to distract you or to help you through - have you tried meditation or mindfulness? Anything to stop the thoughts racing through your mind. Hopefully it will all turn out fine - the good thing (although it may not appear to be a positive to you at the moment) is that you have noticed and caught this early and that you are aware that sunbed use is harmful so you are being very proactive by coming on here and voicing your fears. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (skin cancer patient)

I have the same fear .Symptoms getting much worse but because I got advice from a specialist I used to work with , my GP was furious .Im now too scared to set foot inside the practice since his outburst.I also have bipolar disorder and definitely feel judged because of this .Im now in pain most of the time , vomiting and having difficulty eating, so loosing weight.Dont know where to turn as I physically cannot go to the practice.

Is there more than one GP at the practice that you can see? If not, I would consider changing your GP Practice & seeing someone recommended by family or friends.