Hi Emc, I also suffer from health anxiety so I can understand how debilitating it can be.

In regards to mole changes during pregnancy, the higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone in your body stimulates the melanin cells in your skin to make more pigment. So this is a strong possibility of what's happened to your mole.

Its good you've been to the doctors to get it checked out as you've noticed a change and I can't guarantee it's due to your pregnancy but try not to worry and you will know for sure in 5 days, which is why it's good you've booked because I don't know about you but if I don't go to check any worries checked I end up making myself a state and thinking the worst. Keep us updated x

Hi jmne245 thank you for your quick reply. Yes any definite worries and I immediately go to the GP. I have never suffered with anxiety before but it started creeping in during my first pregnancy. After a traumatic birth the anxiety got a lot worse and I sought help from counselling. This time the fact that I have photographic proof that there has been a change is making it worse as I can't tell myself I'm overreacting to something. My husband is always honest and supportive and he said it definitely looks different. On one hand I know the doctor said she thought it was pregnancy related and to her it didnt look suspicious but I also think she wouldn't have referred me for no reason and what if she's wrong? The wait is killing me and in my frame of mind if the specialist says that it's likely to be pregnancy and to 'keep an eye on it' or wait until I've had the baby I'll probably break down hysterically asking them to remove it. I couldn't cope with months on end keeping checking it. Do they usually remove them to be 100% sure? Thanks

Hi,

I've been a melanoma patient for many years & several family members have had dodgy moles removed so I have some knowledge of what you are going through. 

As jmne has already explained, existing moles can change during pregnancy due to hormones - it's actually a quite common thing for dermatologists to see. My niece has had 2 pregnancies and they've monitored a dodgy looking mole each time but they were fine. Also, the fact that your mole has only changed in one respect (colour) means there is a very good chance it's fine. Most dodgy moles are those that have changed in more than one way (shape, size, colour, bleeding or itchy).

NICE guidance tells GPs that they must refer to dermatology those whose moles have changed in more than one way or refer those who they aren't sure about & they want an expert to decide. I think your GP is in the second camp - they think it's fine but they want an expert to make the final decision so that they can put your mind at rest. They will examine the mole with a dermascope (the handheld microscope which shows if there is any unusual cell activity in the mole). If they are happy there is nothing of concern they will say it's fine. If they are unsure, they will make an appointment for it to be removed for biopsy - they don't remove & biopsy every mole they see, the dermascope is a great piece of diagnostic kit for this. The chances of them saying yours is fine are very high.

75% of patients referred to dermatology are told their mole is benign so your odds are very good that yours is caused by hormone changes. Try not to overthink it - thankfully your appointment is next week so you don't have too long to wait. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie 

Hi All, I went to the hospital this morning to see the specialist. He took one look at it (I'm not exaggerating prob 1-2 seconds), he didnt even use a dermascope, and said it's benign and nothing to be concerned about. I questioned the colour change etc and he said could be down to the pregnancy. I said 'so there's nothing at all about it that would warrant a biopsy' and he said no and again its benign. He said to biopsy it they would have to removal it all and I'd be left with a scar on my face. His manner was v straight to the point, no nonsense. There wasnt even a hint of him being unsure. I'm relieved but I cant say I'm 100% happy - in my anxious mind the only way to know for definite is to remove it. Any suggestions/comments? How would I proceed with getting it removed if I wanted to, private? Thanks

Hi,

Although many dermatologists use a dermascope there are some that have years of experience and can tell, just by sight, if something is definately benign. If they weren't 100% sure they would remove it to be on the safe side but he sounds very sure. Because it's on your face he wouldn't offer to remove it for your peace of mind because, no matter how good they are, it would leave a scar & he probably doesn't think it warrants causing you a facial disfigurement. You are entitled to a second opinion if you don't feel 100% happy - probably a private consultation with a different dermatologist may be the best route.

Good luck, whatever you decide,

Angie (melanoma patient)