Hi Mydolly,

I'm sorry that you are both going through this anxiety. It's good that your daughter has an appointment on Tuesday as you will have less time to wait and worry. 

Please don't google as the information is not up to date and it focuses on worst case scenarios. Melanoma doesn't have a one size fits all when it comes to what they look like - two people may have a mole/growth that look alike but one could be melanoma & the other be benign. So please don't fixate on the images on google.

The dematologist will examine the spot with a dermascope - this shows any abnomal cell activity. If they feel it needs removing because it may be worrying they will arrange a biopsy excision - only a biopsy can give a 100% correct diagnosis. 75% of patients referred to dermatologist get a clean bill of health - of the 25% that don't, some are diagnosed with melanoma whilst others are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell or squamous cell). So there are several options as to what your daughter's spot may be. The non-melanoma cancers are very easily treatable and rarely spread internally.

As your daughter has been using sun beds she has raised her chances of developing any of these skin cancers, however she hasn't been using them for long & you have caught it quickly so hopefully, if any damage has been done, it will be easily treated even if it's melanoma.

As you won't be able to go in with her I suggest you write any questions down that you think she should ask. We always suggest that patients take written questions in with them & make notes of what has been said if they are at the appointment on their own. Better still, some consultants are happy for the patient to record the consultation on their phone (ask first please) so that they don't forget anything. If she asks to do this you can then listen to it after her appointment.

Hopefully her spot will be benign & easily treatable but don't panic if it's skin cancer - treatments are good these days & we are always here to talk to for support. Even if it's benign, please try to stress on your daughter how dangerous sun beds are & hopefully she won't use them in the future. Good luck and please let us know how she gets on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)