Cancer Research UK main site

Itchy mole

WorrierWendy
Offline

Hi

I'm 39 and have a worrying mole on my lower back. I've had it for many many years and it has always been very pale in colour but in recent years it has developed pigmentation around the edges.

I have had it checked twice this year by my GP with a scope. On the second appointment he said it actually appeared smaller. My concern is that it is very very itchy. It is on my waistband so I know this will be a factor but I can also feel a lump under the skin around the mole and in recent days it has developed a slight pink/tan area to the side of it.

I have requested for it to be removed as it is a great cause of anxiety for me. I am fair, blue eyes, red hair and have history of melanoma on my mother's side. My father has also had several BCC's removed and is currently receiving treatment for Bowden's disease.

I'm still waiting for the outcome of the funding request. It's been 2 months now. I plan to ring my GP for an update but also to have the mole checked again as I am really concerned.

Any reassurance would be great 

Thanks

  • Hi Wendy and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry about the worries this mole is causing but it sounds like you've been monitoring it really well.

    I hope your chat with the GP goes well and that some of our members who have been in a similar position will offer their support to you soon.

    All the best,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm sorry you are waiting for this to be dealt with.

    I'm a little confused regarding the funding request by your GP? Are they not considering referring you under the NHS? They have 3 options, they don't refer because they think it's benign, they refer under the non urgent route which can take about 12 weeks to be seen or they refer under the 2 week urgent route. 

    I'm assuming, due to the use of the dermascope, that your GP has a specialism in dermatology? If they are unsure about your mole they should really refer & get a second opinion from a dermatologist. At dermatology clinics a dermatologist will often ask a colleague to check a patient's mole to ensure they both think the same. The GP should be doing this!

    If your GP decides not to refer, you should ask another GP at the practice for a second opinion. Otherwise, if you can afford it, seek a consultation with a private dermatologist. There is a very good chance your mole is fine but, due to the changes and the family history, you should push to get it checked by a dermatologist. As an aside, if the mole is getting smaller, like your GP inferred, that should have no bearing on a referral decision. It's not unusual for a mole to regress & totally disappear on the skin's surface, but if it's a melanoma it's still causing damage below the skin.

    I hope you get the referral you seek. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

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.