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Waiting for outcome of mole investigation

Felka123
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Hello, 

Just thought I'd post here as it's occupying nearly all my thoughts! My mum had stage 3 melanoma in her thirties and I raised my concerns to my gp about a funny looking mole on my cheek which has the ABCDE signs of melanoma inc growing, possibly steadily over the last few years but only just noticed when I compared to photos several years ago (it's about 8mm so fairly small) 

 

Referred to a dermatologist who said because it's on my face they'll take photos and monitor it by comparing in 3 months and if it was anywhere else on the body they'd just remove it as she couldn't say it wasn't melanoma (but could be a solar lentigo). Now very anxious as it seems a long time to wait and see if there is the chance it's cancer and invasive. I've booked a doctor's appointment to ask for a second opinion but the waiting is so hard. I'm also attributing every little symptom to possible melanoma when it may be entirely unrelated (got a bump on the top of my tibia I've just noticed and tingling fingers in my right hand) I don't want to be a massive hypochondriac but the stakes are so high if it is something and spreading. Has anyone else been through similar please or can offer some words of wisdom. 

 

Many thanks

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    Hi,

    I too am a Stage 3 melanoma patient so my thoughts are with you, your mum & your family. 

    I can understand the worry you have at waiting for 3 months to see if there any changes. I can understand why the consultant has taken the course of action but that doesn't stop you worrying. For some perspective, there is only a minimal chance that, should it be melanoma, it would spread in that 3 months. You are on the ball getting it checked out because of your mum's melanoma, but many people wait months (or even years - I waited a year) before getting it checked out and a large majority of them are diagnosed early stage, even after a long wait. Also, consultants always wait for a period of time & check again, in your position & if 'lesions' are picked up on scans. A lesion was picked up on my liver at pre-op scan when diagnosed Stage 3. They waited 3 months & scanned again - it hadn't changed so they were happy it was just a mark - that was 10 years ago & I'm still here fit & healthy.

    I can also understand your fear due to your mum's diagnosis. Genetic melanoma only accounts for a small amount of patients - UV damage is the main culprit so the chances of you having it because your mum has it are only slightly raised.

    Of course you are entitled to a second opinion, however you may find that your GP needs some convincing to send you to a different dermatologist - don't be surprised if they suggest you pay privately (I've heard this from other patients). I will send you a friend request so that, if you accept it, I can send you a private message to discuss your options. Best wishes & try to enjoy the festive season,

    Angie

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

     

    Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts and experience. It's good to hear from someone who has been through it, but of course sorry to hear this illness has affected you. Hope treatment is proving successful though know it's a long road.

     

    It's hard as I really don't want to overreact and spend the next 3 months just thinking about it when I guess there must have been a reason the dermatologist wasn't leaping to remove it (though it wasn't too clear what that reason was and she seemed a bit frustrated by all my questions - which might have been partially my fault as there seemed so much to take in).

     

    It's annoying as I thought it may have been growing but myself and my husband put it down to our imaginations and wish I'd been a bit more clued up about measuring it (didn't even know but have since discovered there's even an app for it now). I have a high level of anxiety as it is so sometimes find it tough to know when I'm being ruled by that and when it's justified. 

     

    Anyway, thanks again for your kind reply and hope you have a relaxing Christmas xx

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