Hi Mia,

Firstly, stop Googling - it's not up to date & it can be misleading.

Secondly, I'm sorry your mum has had skin cancer - was it melanoma and is she OK now? It's true that some melanomas are caused by genetics rather than UV damage, however this is only the case in a small percentage of people and it's not a foregone conclusion that it passes down to children and grandchildren often. My dermatologist has been doing research into melanoma in families (including my family) and it really isn't as common as some may think.

So, all that being said, if you are worried about the mole and need some reassurance, I advise you to contact your GP. At the moment most GP's are doing telephone consultations & they ask the patient to send them a photo of the problem mole. Hopefully this is what your GP will do - ensure you remind them of your mum's skin cancer. They then check the photo & if they can't rule out it being OK they either send the photo to the Dermatology Dept at the local hospital or they refer the patient to see the dermatologist. If the photo is sent to the hospital they will contact you to let you know if it's OK or if they want to see you & an appointment will be made for you to go in.

This doesn't mean the mole is definitely a problem, it just means they want to examine it further. They may, on seeing it, decide it's fine or they may advise it's removal for biopsy. Again, this doesn't mean it's melanoma but a biopsy will show whether it's benign, a dysplastic mole (pre-cancerous) or melanoma. 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health so the odds are that your mole will be fine.

The younger you are (you don't mention your age) the less chance it will be skin cancer, so please try not to get anxious whilst waiting for it checking. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi love,

sorry to hear that you're worrying. 
 

I have just been going through the same thing and honestly it is horrendous. I was googling everything I was convincing myself I had cancer and I was panicking. I know it's easier said then done but please please try not worry until you get your appointment.

My GP looked at the photos of mine and said she doesn't think it's sinister but to go back if it doesn't improve. 75% of moles are non cancerous and even if you are very unlucky where it is there are so many treatable options for you!! Please stop googling as it is outdated and will panic you senseless. 
 

im praying it's good news for you but if it's not know that we are all here and you will 100% get through this.