I don't think anyone can tell you how high your risk is without knowing if any of your moles are in fact dysplastic. I've got moles which look odd, most are not dysplastic. Like you I have a lot of moles, childhood history of severe sunburn (multiple peels), but in addition a family history of both pancreatic and melanoma cancer (so likely FAMMM syndrome). It is the family history that increases the risk plus not only me but siblings and parent have lots of dysplastic moles too. Severe sunburns increase melanoma risk a bit. That is the same for anyone especially fair-haired.

Given all the moles and fair-skin I suggest you wear high factor suncream and stay out of the sun at its peak.

Nothing you say gives any reason for being depressed right now though. If your moles are changing then mole-mapping will pick this up and you can get anything that looks dodgy removed (privately or on the NHS but private is very expensive). I've had a lot of odd-looking moles over the years but Consultants have only removed 5 (1 benign and 4 dysplastic) that were moles and some other lesions (harmless except they looked identical to melanoma and were likely caused by excessive sunburns).

I am now closer to 60 than 50 and have noticed moles changing more last few years. Had very recent surgery and close monitoring now of some lesions especially in area where I got severe burn. I have to be extra cautious because I've a history of severely dysplastic moles (pathology) and family history melanoma. Even in my case, mildly dysplastic moles are not removed but monitored - GP helps as I find hard to do myself; hospital told me to self-monitor (hard with back).

Please don't worry as you are doing everything you could re mole-mapping.

Hope my experience helps. First mole was removed in childhood and turned out to be benign despite worrying changes and colour, second appeared suddenly during pregnancy (severely dysplastic), another was showing significant change (found to be severely dysplastic) and more recently had some growing, changing colour plus itching which were found to be high dysplasia with one mild (3 out on one day).

I'm still having to monitor and do have others changing. Just because a mole looks atypical is not enough for doctors to say they have to come out now. In your case you don't even know until you see the mole-mapping people if any are in fact dysplastic. Even if they are only only need to come out if severe or moderate and not as urgent as melanoma.  So a month or two won't matter! 

Hope this gives some reassurance.

Thank you so much for your advice and sharing your experience.

I'm so glad to hear that you haven't had melanoma and that your doctors are keeping a close eye on you for any changes. It sounds as though we have very similar skin types. I am very lucky growing up in the 90s with more sun awareness, so I was basically kept out of the sun completely as a child. I remember getting one sunburn with peeling on my shoulders when I was about 10, then don't think I had any more until my later teens when I idiotically started sunbathing ‍♀️

Now I'm much more careful, but I'm so angry with myself for sunbathing for several years!

Yes, I guess I'll just have to see what the derm says I thought that any mole larger than 6mm, or more than one colour, was automatically dysplastic? My worst looking one, which I've had as long as I can remember, is about 1.5cm and darker and raised in the middle. I'd be amazed if it wasn't dysplastic - I wouldn't be surprised if it was cancer by now, either.

Thanks again for your words, and I hope you keep well.

No large moles that are more than one colour are not automatically dysplastic. My largest was bigger than 5cm (cm not mm) diameter, irregular, multi-coloured etc and benign despite being close to area that had peeled badly multiple times.

Most of my highly dysplastic moles were smooth - all except one.

Other moles I had that were bumpy, irregular, multi-coloured were said not to be dysplastic. So maybe only a specialist can tell.

If your moles change before you see mole-mapping people, contact GP who can look at and decide if you need 2WW referral. The key here is whether moles are evolving. So do own photo if you have one you think is cancerous and has changed send straight to GP. If don't think changed and have had long time, just take another photo of mole you are especially concerned about two weeks later. Noticeable difference in short time - contact GP.

Thank you, that's interesting to hear. So far my info on dysplastic moles has just been from Google, which probably isn't the most accurate.

I don't *think* any of my moles have changed, but I've got so many and I've never really checked before so it's hard to tell. Hopefully the derm will be able to sort me out!

I think melanoma can be bumpy. Always best to check out anything that is changing. I guess it was just my bumpy moles that were fine and not dysplastic and I have moles bigger than criteria which I've been told are not dysplastic. The pathology on the huge one showed it was definitely benign.

Sounds like getting everything checked will reassure you.

My main point was IF you do notice new changes before you get your mole-mapping do contact GP rather than wait for mole-mapping derm. 

Hello, sorry to hear your worry's it's really stressful isn't it? Just wanted to say your not alone on concerns. I recently looked over mine and found one that I've had since childhood seemed different ( when I had my glasses on!) normally when I glance over my moles after shower while putting creams on I don't have them on so my mole looked the same as normal!! I arranged to go to the GP for two to be checked but one was fine but the second one cause it's slightly darker ( it always has been) in the centre i have been referred for two week appointment. The doctor asked me has it changed and I honestly couldn't answer her cause I don't think it has but I couldn't be sure. My advice would be if you are really concerned and worried, speak to your doctor who will be able to give you the best advice and hopefully put your mind at ease. 
 
Claire