So I wanted to share my brief story in hope that it might even help one other person. I am 32 years old and going back a year and a half ago I went to get a mole on my finger checked out, I had this mole for a number of years and it was hard to notice because of where it was positioned on my finger but over time it came to my attention that this mole was getting bigger and bigger. No bleeding or itchyness just growing in size and an odd place, i would say I had had this mole for 8 years or so before I sought two opinions, nhs and private and both came to the same conclusion that it was odd looking but not sinister from what they could see and really my decision as to whether to have it removed but suggested it might be worth having a think about. I knew I would have it removed but did not see it as urgent. A year later and I was booked in for my removal Aug 2020, I thought I was going to have a mole removed that wasn’t a great cause for concern and therefore was very shocked to hear that the doctor wanted to see me regarding the results. I was fortunate enough to get these results 24 hours after I was originally told that she needed to speak with me this was still 4-6 weeks after removal. But where my mind went in those 24 hours was to the most darkest of places, I couldn’t resist the temptation of google, I struggled to find the reassurance I was searching for. I let my mind run away with itself and think the worst. It’s hard to keep a lid on things sometimes and it’s something I really struggle with. The doctor advised me that I had melanoma in situ, stage 0 effectively and that they had managed to remove all of the dangerous cells. For a mole I knew I had had for a long time,  and with what I read along the way I had convinced myself it was a million times worse than it was that this news seemed impossible. So moral of the story is, you just do not know what is going to happen and it isn’t always as bad as you think. I will take a lot more caution now in the sun, and continue to get my moles checked a couple of times a year and in my case and im sure a number of others awaiting biopsy results too nothing more than another life lesson.

Felicity

Hi Felicity,

Thank you for sharing your experience! As I am currently waiting on the results of a biopsy of a mole that i have had for years its reassuring to hear that although your news wasnt good news it was the best case scenerio in terms of bad news! 

Im glad to hear that they removed all of the dangerous cells and that this has been a learning experience and not something worse!

Even before ive received my results ive become alot more aware of melanoma and non melanoma skin cancers and the dangers of UV! 

Amber

Hello 

I have been reading through your thread and wondering how you got on? I am awaiting a mole removal and biopsy for a suspected melanoma.

Many thanks in advance.

I have just been to the dermatologist today over a mole that had become raised, he told me it was fine and then asked to check the rest of my moles, he doesn't like the look of 2 of them one is really dark on one and and not a symmetrical and the other is not a symmetrical, I am so worried and scared the fact I went in for them to check one and he said it was fine to find out ones that were not bothering me are the issues. I am wishing with everything I have that I will be ok and get through it all clear 

Hi Aaronr,

Try not to panic - in fact this happens a lot. A mole that looks dodgy may be fine but warning signals may be picked up by a GP when looking at another mole. Although no one, not even a dermatologist, can 100% pick out a cancerous mole with the naked eye, they can decide which ones would benefit from further investigation - it doesn't mean the moles are definitely cancerous, they are erring on the side of caution.

The dermatologist will look at them with a dermascope which shows any change in the cell structure. If it looks fine you will be given a clean bill of health. If they aren't sure, they will arrange to remove them for a biopsy to conclude if one or both are cancerous. 

I hope your appointment comes through quickly and they can put your mind at rest. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Aaronr,

Try not to panic - in fact this happens a lot. A mole that looks dodgy may be fine but warning signals may be picked up by a GP when looking at another mole. Although no one, not even a dermatologist, can 100% pick out a cancerous mole with the naked eye, they can decide which ones would benefit from further investigation - it doesn't mean the moles are definitely cancerous, they are erring on the side of caution.

The dermatologist will look at them with a dermascope which shows any change in the cell structure. If it looks fine you will be given a clean bill of health. If they aren't sure, they will arrange to remove them for a biopsy to conclude if one or both are cancerous. 

I hope your appointment comes through quickly and they can put your mind at rest. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)