Hi,

New moles can appear at any time up to the age of 40 - new ones after that age should ceratinly get checked out. 

It would certainly be unusual to find that two new moles that appear at the same time are something serious, however your GP is quite correct in getting you checked by a dermatologist. Immunosuppressant medication does carry a very small risk of developing cancer but it's not common. With regards to sunbeds - the risks of their use raising the chance of developing melanoma are well known so your moles really need checking out. Hopefully they will be fine, for every 10 patients referred to dermatology between 2 & 3 patients are diagnosed with melanoma so the odds are good that you will be OK. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Thank you for your reply. Just found out that they don’t have space to see me within 2 weeks - I need to wait another 3 weeks - which is not ideal as I’d rather get it over with! Also scaring myself as I’ve read that it can become life threatening within a matter of weeks so don’t want to have to wait.

And yes, really kicking myself over the sunbed use... I only went for about 6 short sessions and never thought that would be enough to be a proper risk!

Hi,

I'm assuming it's dermatology at your local hospital that can't see you within the 2 weeks? If so, I suggest you contact your GP and ask if they can refer you to another hospital with a shorter waiting list. Waiting 5 weeks for an urgent referral is not good so hopefully your GP can find somewhere else.

Angie

Thank you - I’m trying to get a cancellation!

Just come out - they said it's just blood trauma that looks like a mole, probably from ill fitting shoes in my case!

So all good :) hope this reassures anyone else in a similar position xx

That's good to hear. xx

Hi I hope you still use this site! I'm really interested in what your "not" moles looked like, I have a mole between my toes that I regionally though was woodchip so I picked at it long strong short woodchip was laid at my work and I wore sandals was forever getting new splinters and assumed this is what it was, didn't go away so got it seen to and was told by gp it didn't look suspicious, recently though I've noticed that whatever it is has gotten a bit darker and I'm waiting on an appointment with dermatology but been told 16-18 week wait I'm freaking out! 
 

Hi,

How long ago did you notice this 'mole' on your toe? How long has it been changing? Is it a round shape or a long thin shape (to make you think it is a splinter)? 

Your GP obviously doesn't think it's anything serious as your referral has been made as a 'non urgent' referral. 

Melanoma on the foot isn't common & to have it between your toes is even less common because it's rarely due to to UV damage (the sun can't get to that area). Did your GP look at it using a dermascope? If not, the dermatologist will & this will show them any suspicious cell activity - it will also show if there is any vascular activity ie. a blood blister caused by trauma or a foreign object. There is more chance of it being the latter than melanoma so try not to worry about the length of wait for the appointment. Meanwhile, I suggest you photograph your 'mole' when you notice any change so that the consultant can see how it's been evolving - this may give them a good idea as to what it may be. Hopefully it won't need removing for biopsy & they can confirm that it's a benign lesion.

Please remember that 75% of patients referred to dermatology under an urgent referral get a clean bill of health - those under a non urgent referral are 99% so the odds are good that yours is fine. Just try & distract yourself whilst waiting. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi,

I've just read your other post that has been replied to. As mentioned, the GP has to use a scoring system to decide if an urgent referral is made - this is the system  cks.nice.org.uk/skin-cancers-recognition-and-referral

If your mole didn't score 3 or more then the GP shouldn't refer as urgent. However, if your mole has changed again whilst waiting, go back to your GP & see if it's changed the score & if it can be changed now to urgent (2 week referral). If you get no joy I can only suggest that you get a private dermatolgy consultation (if you have private medical insurance or you can afford to pay for a referral). 

Good luck,

Angie

Hi, thank you for your reply! 
 

the shape is long the only way to describe it is like a tadpole only a lot smaller, one ended is circular then it trials off like a tail,

I first noticed it around 3 years ago originally assuming it was a splinter as it was sore and itchy tried to pick it off with no luck eventually forgot about it for a few months then realised one day it had never gone so went to gp explaining it and he wasn't too fussed and said it was just a navi or whatever the proper word is for a mole, 

I noticed recently it seemed to be darker that it had been however I was just recently pregnant and have read moles can darken during pregnancy so I'm not sure, if it was a lot bigger the black lines world resemble veins under skin if that makes sense they are just small black lines that branch off not one complete black spot. 
im just going to have a look at the link you posted gp wasn't concerned and the nurse at my gp practice looked at it and said it looked harmless as it's completely flat no rough patches etc but neither checked it with a dermascope,

regadless of what it is it really gives me awful anxiety and I would just like it taken away I have other moles quite a few actually some that a raised some that are atypical but they have always been like that and i don't worry about them I just make sure to check them over every month or so but this one freaks me out so badly!