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Scared about a mole

amy1702
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Over the last few days I’ve had a weird sensation/pain in my back, I first noticed it just when my hair was brushing the skin. It kind of felt hyper-sensitive, wouldn’t really call it a pain, just the kind of sensitivity you get when you’re getting ill with flu or something if you know what I mean, except this time localised to just one area. I couldn’t help but notice that this area has a mole in it which is small but slightly atypical and I’ve been to the doctors about it before - they have always told me it’s fine. The mole hasn’t changed at all apart from this sensation which I can’t even point to being directly just where the mole is but the general patch of skin around that area! I’ve got a doctors appt on Friday but I’m worried they’re not going to do anything, I’m desperate for a referral to a dermatologist as I want to get this mole checked properly by an expert for peace of mind. I would probably pay for private if I can’t get a referral but I don’t really have the money to do that so want to try via my GP first if I can. Can I be persistent about a referral? Should I be worried about this sensation? Could it be something else? I’m finding it hard to think about anything else at the moment and am worried sick the sensation is a melanoma spreading or something awful.

  • I'm sorry about the worries this sensation you're experiencing around your mole is causing Amy but I'm glad you've decided to see your doctor about this.

    There's no harm in asking about a referral and stating your reasons why you would like one but if they don't pass you on maybe you could see a different doctor at your GP surgery (if there is more than one) to get a second opinion?

    [@AngieT]‍ has helped a lot of members on the forum with her knowledge and experience of melanoma so hopefully she will offer her thoughts and advice to you now I've mentioned her in this post.

    Wishing you all the best for Friday Amy.

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Amy,

    From my experience I don't know of anyone whose mole has caused any unusual sensation or pain - they are usually painless, as is the spread of melanoma. It may be that you are suffering from a treatable skin condition that just happens to be close to the mole or it could be a problem with the nerve endings in your upper back - does it feel like a tingling sensation? It certainly needs checking out though.

    I agree with Steph about asking for a second opinion from another GP at the practice if the initial GP doesn't think you need referring. In fact, contact your practice and see if they have a GP who specialises in dermatology. More & more practices are having a GP train to specialise in dermatology and how to use a dermascope (an instrument where they look at the mole & it shows any suspicious cells). These specialist GPs help to cut down the referrals to hospital dermatology clinics as 8 out of 10 referrals are found to be benign growths/moles. If your practice doesn't have such a specialist GP push for a referral for your peace of mind but hopefully the GP will be able to diagnose something benign and treatable. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

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    Hi OP,

    Sorry to jump on this old post but it sounds exactly the same as what I have on my lower back and I can't seem to get any answers. Like a flu-like nerve pain in the skin around the mole. Did you ever get any answers?

    All the best,

    Sophie

  • Offline in reply to hcrynb

    I'm having exactly the same sensation in my lower back and there's a mole slightly atypical but I've had mole mapping about 2 months ago so Idk if it could change that fast if it's something suspicious. Thankfully I'm having an appointment to my dermatologist this afternoon! I hope you have checked it already and it was nothing serious! 

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