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Abnormal moles

Kb123
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hello, 

i noticed about 2 years ago that a mole I had my stomach has changed quite drastically. Basically gone from small and raised to larger flatter with black dots in the middle. It also has irregular borders now. Being only 18/19 at the time I didn’t think much of it. It’s not until recently that I noticed another mole has sort of grown a smaller mole on top of the existing one that I decided I should probably go get them checked out. I also found out much Nan had skin cancer which also helped motivate me. I have a 13 month old and I can’t bear to think what would happen should I get a bad diagnoses. I’ve tried to talk to my partner about my fears but he just dismisses them making me feel like I’m over reacting. I’m scared since I’ve left them so long it could be worse. Anyone have any positive experiences with similar changes to their moles? I can’t find anything about this happening so I don’t know if it’s normal or not. I’ve also had to wait 2 week for a doctors appointment and it has felt like the longest wait and I know if they suspect something it will be a further referral and another wait. 

 

I also suffer with anxiety so I don’t think that helps, sorry for the long post I just needed to get it off my chest. 

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    Hi Kb123,

    I am one of those people who left my mole a year before getting it checked out. It had grown large and turned black. That was 23 years ago and I was diagnosed with Stage 1 melanoma. I'm still here all these years later but I was sadly in the 5% of Stage 1 patients that it returns in (meaning 95% have no further problems). I became Stage 3 10 years ago but I'm still here, fit & healthy so it doesn't always mean it's a worse case scenario.

    Some people have moles that change and they aren't cancerous so it doesn't mean yours will be. They both need checking out though so it's good you are seeing your GP. If you have much longer to wait perhaps you could ring the surgery and say you would be happy to take any cancellation that may occur because it's causing your anxiety to be much worse.

    If the GP thinks one or both look dodgy he will refer you to a dermatologist under the 2 week rule so I'm afraid that's another wait. Please tell your GP about your family history as it will make a difference if they are unsure as to whether you need referring. All I can suggest is you try to distract yourself in whatever way you can. Hopefully they will be fine but if not, it can be dealt with and there are many more treatments now than there once were. We understand the panic and anxiety this causes so try to find ways to calm yourself (I do tai chi and meditation). Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you, I’m sorry to hear that yours returned but thankful as it gives me a postive outlook for the  future. Luckily my GP appointment is Wednesday so not too long to wait now luckily. I’ve got my University exams too at the moment which I don’t think are helping as it’s jist stressing me out more and I cannot concentrate on what I’m doing but hopefully they’ll help the time go quicker. Thanks for your reply and I wish you all the best 

  • Offline in reply to Kb123

    quick update from me, saw my GP she said that one of my moles does show some of the symptoms for cancer but because I’ve got dark hair she doesn’t think it is ‍♀️ She said she will refer me to a dermatologist but I’m looking at a 3/4 month wait to see one, surely this can’t  be right? She did say I could go private if I wanted too but who knows how much that’ll cost.  Anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance 

  • Offline in reply to Kb123

    I’d seek a second opinion from another GP. If she said it has some indication that it could be cancerous then you need to be checked within 2 weeks. 

     

  • Offline in reply to Misty768

    okay thank you, I will do that 

  • Offline in reply to Kb123

    I agree with Misty. You are entitled to a second opinion from another GP. Being dark haired has no bearing on the development of a cancerous mole. Having light or ginger hair just means you are fairer skinned so burn quicker and are at more risk but dark haired (including me) are at as much risk of a mole turning cancerous. Even dark and olive skinned people get melanoma so her reasoning is not correct. 

    Angie

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