Hello, I had a dark reddish mark on my shin which I think appeared after I knocked my leg, a bit like a scab that hasn't gone away.   Probably about 10mm wide, very slightly raised.   I'd had it ages before going to have it checked.   After a couple of visits and a quick biopsy,  the doctor gave me some cream, I used it for a few weeks and its barely visible now.      Mine was a BCC, basal cell carcinoma, which is a low grade type of skin cancer and absolutely nothing to worry about.     Obviously I can't comment on yours, but it's good that you're having it looked at.  

Easy to say, but try not to worry too much. 

Take care.  Colin. 

Hi,

You've come to the right place to voice your worries - it always helps to talk to someone, if only to try and help calm yourself whilst waiting to see the dermatologist.

Please don't Google - it's out of date and only focuses on worst case scenarios. There is no point at looking at all the images either as everyone's mole looks different. That's why the dermatologist will look at it using a dermascope which will show any unusual cell activity in the mole. If they think it needs removing for biopsy to see exactly what it is, don't panic - they do this because no one, not even the experts, can always diagnose a melanoma using just the naked eye. 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health so the odds are good for you. If, however, it turns out to be melanoma there are treatments now that are showing great results.

Don't freak out about how long it may have looked like this - we all miss things or leave things for a while. I left my dodgy looking mole for a year before seeing my GP - it was melanoma but that was 24 years ago and even though it returned a few years ago I'm still here, fit, healthy and with no evidence of the disease (remission).

My advice is to keep yourself busy whilst waiting for the appointment. You won't be waiting long as not many people are seeing their GP & being referred at the moment so there are more hospital appointments available. Take care & good luck. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Colin and Angie, 

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I know you are right and I will be staying off Google from now on - I work as admin in a hospital, so I really should know better! I'm going to try and stay positive, though in the current climate everything seems to be heightened. 

Escapism through Netflix binges and books in the lead up to next Friday for me! 

Hope you are both well and staying safe!