20yo sudden skin changes

New here so apologies if this is in the wrong subject. I have an appointment with a  Dermatologist this Friday as part of the two week wait referral process. My doctor has listed three moles on my calf/thighs as 'suspicious', the calf one causing the most concern. 

 

In the past 3-4 weeks I have developed several new small moles/freckles. We're talking in the range of 15-20. I also have several older moles that have changed size,shape and colour quite drastically. Some have changed appearance noticeably within a few days. 

 

This is something I will definitely be showing the Dermatologist at the appointment (I'm taking photos of their progress). I have also developed these flat, light purple/red blodges near some of the newly formed moles. 

 

Just wondering if anyone has any advise from personal/professional experience about this. Should I be worried about the rate of growth/changing of these moles, or is it just something that can be put down to hormones etc. Unfortunately cancer isn't a rare occurrence in my family, with a few members on my Mum's side having had Stage 4 melanoma. 

 

Thank you 

  • Hi,

    It's good that your GP has referred you to the experts for your moles checking.

    New moles appearing at your age is quite normal but if multiple moles are appearing, and unidentified blotches, it needs a dermatologist to assess them. Please ensure you mention melanoma in your family - are they close relatives ie. aunts, uncles, grandparents? It may be that your moles are dysplastic (benign but they can become cancerous in the future). Hopefully yours will be fine but don't panic if they want to remove one or two for biopsy. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)