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Scared: worried about malignant melanoma

ErinGi
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Hiya, im 18 years old and just about to head off to university. Ive had a new mole appear on my scalp about a month ago, did an E consoltation and was perscriped some cream (thinking it was some kind of infection) but it didnt change in 2 weeks so went in today for a face to face consoltation, have come out of that being perscribed a new form of antibiotic cream. If no improvement in 2 weeks i have to be reffered to a dermatologist for them to check if its Malignant melanoma. I know I havent even been diagnosed but I am so afraid. My worst fear is getting an illness like this and I am so stressed. Its just a bit scary when they go through the "7 Questions" and on the slip of paper it says "Urgent referral guidance for suspected malignant melanoma."

 

Im just about to start a new chapter of my life, only 18 years old and I am so afraid of this, I really hope the cream helps otherwise I don't know how I will cope. Any kind words or reassurance would be so helpful right now. Sorry :) - Erin

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    Hello Erin, 

    Fingers tightly crossed that this new cream works. Try not to worry too much if you can or draw any conclusions from what it said on the slip of paper. It looks like you are in very capable hands and that this will be investigated and dealt with if it turns out that you need to see a specialist. In the meantime, keep calm, busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking anything up on Google as this will only make you worry more. You will soon find out whether the cream has worked or whether you need to see a dermatologist. I hope that you will also meet others on the forum who have been through this before and that they will come and share their experiences with you. I hope you won't mind I have slightly edited your title to include the words 'worried about malignant melanoma' as this will give more visibility to your post and hopefully attract relevant responses.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Erin,

    Please try not to panic. If the cream doesn't work it still doesn't mean for sure that it's melanoma.

    New moles can appear at any time of life but after the age of 40 there is a slightly heightened chance they may be cancerous.

    As you are so young there is a good chance that yours is fine. 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health so this makes the odds of your mole being benign even higher.

    If you do have to be referred to dermatology they will examine the mole using a dermascope - this tells them if there is any unusual cell activity in the mole - if there is, or they aren't sure, they like to remove the mole for a biopsy. Even at this stage many people get clear results. If yours turns out to be melanoma you have caught it very quickly so, after removal, they will then monitor you for a time. 95% of patients whose melanoma is caught early have no further problem in the future.

    So, all in all, the future isn't as desperate as you are thinking. Keep busy, as Lucie has advised, and hopefully the cream will work. If it doesn't, you will be seen quickly by a dermatologist & I'm sure the news won't be as bad as you fear.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

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