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Health anxiety and moles

Reeder50
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Hi,

I have servere health anxiety. I worry all the time about various bodily changes/sensations. The current thing I'm worried about is skin cancer. I have many moles, 30+ on one arm, and I get worried about them. 
 

I've been to the dermatologist about a month back, they looked at about two of them (think they were running a reduced service because of covid, and I was meant to see a doctor but they didn't come so it was an advanced nurse practitioner instead). 
 

They said that they didn't think either mole was suspicious but they're removing one next month because it's inconvenient where it is.  
 

Because of my anxiety and that fact I didn't actually see a doctor I don't feel at ease and still feel very worried. 
 

I've looked at self checking online but I feel as though the moles match some of the problem symptoms (rough edges, larger than 6mm, different colour etc). But I could just be looking too close so I really don't know

 

Last picture I think is a birthmark, only noticed it about a year ago so think it's come to light as I've got older. 

Any help of advice appreciated

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    Hi Reeder

    Sorry to hear you are having a worrying time. 

    I too suffer with some health anxiety and understand how awful it can be. Have you had any help for the anxiety? 

    It sounds reassuring that they were not concerned about your moles.  Although they were not a Dr, he/she will be well trained to spot anything untoward.  If you have any new concerns though, you should speak to your GP. I'm sure they'd be happy to take a look.  Sometimes the more I look at my moles the stranger they look so I do think sometimes it's possible to over think things, especially with health anxiety.  I know I'm terrible for over checking everything and worrying myself stupid. 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Newmum

    Hi, 

    Thanks for your reply. 
     

    Yes I've had CBT for it before and now I'm on the waiting list again. Problem is though, by the time I actually get to the top of the list the worry has normally gone, and then when I've finished the CBT another worry will come. 

    I could ask the GP, problem is that they aren't doing face to face right now, and I hate constantly bothering them. Luckily I have an appointment in a month to have one mole removed so I guess I could ask for some assurance then.

    Thanks again 

     

  • Offline in reply to Reeder50

    I know what you mean about the CBT. It's easy to worry when there's nothing to worry about but something always seems to come along that makes the anxiety return. It's good you're getting help though. 

    Don't think you're bothering the GP. They would rather that than you worry yourself. Some doctors are doing video calls or perhaps they would let you send a picture to them. If you don't manage that, as you say, at least you can ask them to look again when you're in for the removal. I'm sure they'll test the removed mole anyway just to be sure it's nothing, which hopefully will give you some reassurance. 

  • Offline in reply to Newmum

    Thank you that's very helpful :) feeling a little better today, comes in waves as I'm sure you know 

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