Cancer Research UK main site

Concerned about new mole

LaurenH93
Offline

Hi all, 

I'm a 26 year old female with relatively fair skin, I'm not much of a sun worshipper but due to the current lockdown I've been spending more time outside and a few days ago I noticed a new mole had appeared on my ankle. It was an average size but has some clear shadowing underneath it. I sent some pictures to my GP and went to see him the next day, he looked at it with a microscope and I believe a dermoscope and said that it was fine and to monitor for any changes. 
I've tried to feel reassured however the region does feel slightly uncomfortable- it isn't the mole itself that's directly painful, but there is some definite discomfort/tenderness around the whole region. A friend of mine had a melanoma a few years back and was sent away 3 times before her GP acknowledged it, which is where some of my anxieties are coming from. 
I suppose that I'm just looking for some reassurance from anyone in a simile situation - should I be reassured by the GP's examination and at what point should I go back? 

  • Offline

    Hi Lauren,

    I can understand your worry. Your GP is more than likely correct, especially if they used a dermascope to examine your mole. 

    You have 3 choices here - you can monitor your mole over the next few weeks, perhaps take photos of it now and then every 2 weeks to monitor any changes. If it does change, go back & show the photos. Or you could make an appointment with a different GP at the practice - everyone is entitled to a second opinion. Or lastly, if you can afford it, you can see a private dermatologist for a consultation. 

    Good luck,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

    Thanks for your response. I looked on my practice website and noticed the GP I saw does have an MSc in Dermatology, so that is reassuring. 
    I've decided to closely monitor it over the next few weeks and see - the pain is quite muscular and just around the general region, so I suppose there is always the possibility it's a pulled muscle or something unrelated and just coincidental. If it doesn't get better in a week or so so I'll think about contacting the GP again. 
    Very hard not to stress about these things during this COVID period! 
    Thanks again 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.