New mole can’t stop worrying

Hi everyone,

So yesterday while I was on lunch I found a new mole, or it could have been an old one I hadn’t noticed and could have evolved bigger. It’s located on my shoulder/chest area. 

Now I’m panicking because for the first time ever since February I had been going on sunbeds about twice a month to dry up some acne on my back. I’m naturally olive skinned and have dark hair so I never thought it was a concern until now. 

I spoke with my mum and my partner who advised I was overreacting but just get it checked over with the Dr. I know they’re only trying to make me feel better but I’ve got anxiety problems and I’m feeling like it may be too late for treatment as I’ve been getting a tight chest recently which I thought was due to either anxiety or hay fever. I can’t stop thinking that maybe it has spread to my lungs and lymph nodes as I’ve been feeling weak (I’m hoping the weakness is just because I haven’t been able to eat properly because of anxiety)

Anyway I’m calling the Dr this morning to get an appointment for today. I hope it’s not too late to do something about it, I just want it removed for peace of mind. 

  • Hi BenjB,

    It's good that you are making an appointment for it to be checked by your GP. Hopefully it will be fine and you will have peace of mind. 

    Your symptoms are more likely to be stress related than due to your mole. If your mole has only just appeared or changed, it's unlikely to have already spread to anywhere else. To be honest, when melanoma spreads there are rarely any symptoms - it's usually picked up on scans - so worrying about your mole is probably making you more stressful and adding to your symptoms (a vicious circle). If the mole does need removing don't panic, again it may be for peace of mind and whatever the results, you haven't left it too late.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on

    Angie (melanoma patient)