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Moles

mm180916
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Hello, 

 

I was wondering if anybody could help me. I have a mole on my chest which when examining it I've noticed it's raised, irregular, different colours and has now developed a white spot inside it. I did ask my gp about this last year and he completely dismissed it and made me feel quite silly for bringing it to his attention. 

It's completely painless which is also worrying me, I am going to go back to the doctors but what is the normal course of action because this time I'm not leaving without a referral. 

I'm so scared because I have a little boy and I keep imagining the worst. 

 

Thank you in advance for any help or advice given. 

 

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    Hi,

    I am so sorry to hear that you are getting nowhere with your GP. Is there another doctor in your practice who you could go and see for a second opinion.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years and, have had 3 moles on different parts of my body (face, back and leg) in the past 2 years and have consulted my GP. Each time I was referred to see a Dermotologist andhad to wait 2-3 months for an appointment.  She dismissed the lesion on my back but referred me to see a Plastic Surgeon for the others. He carried out an incision biopsy on my face and leg and, fortunately, both turned out to be benign.

    I sincerely hope that you are as fortunate as I was.

    Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi,

    I would suggest that you ask to see a different GP at the practice and explain that the mole has changed since it was last checked. If the GP thinks it's OK but is happy to refer you to dermatology, they may refer you under the non urgent route which will take a month or two. If, however, they think it needs checking sooner, they will refer you under the 2 week rule. Some GP practices have a GP that specialises in skin conditions and if yours has one, they will look at the mole under a dermascope which will show any suspicious cells. If it does, they will refer you to dermatology for it's removal.

    If your practice doesn't have a specialist GP and they refer you by either the 2 week referral or the non urgent referral, you will see a dermatologist who will check the mole under a dermascope. If they think it needs further investigation they will then arrange for it's removal for biopsy (usually done about 2 or 3 weeks later) and the results then take about 4 weeks to return. 

    While waiting to see your GP I suggest you take a photo of the mole, then if it changes in the meantime you can show the GP and the dermatologist how it's changed. 

    Hopefully yours will be fine but you are right to push for a referral. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

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