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Mole on Foot - First time getting photos

MattU
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Hi Everyone,

First time ever posting here. Just feeling I need a community insight / advice. 

I have had numerous moles across my body since I was small, they've arrived on and off over the years. I have them in all weird and wonderful places. I have always had one mole on my foot since I could ever remember, then a few years ago (along with others across my body) one sprung up on the arch of my foot. While a little different, it never has concerned me and after losing a relative to skin cancer and my mother have a variation of it, I have always been skin aware. 

Over the few years I have observed it and feel there has been no change. However after my mum passed away last year (unrelated to cancers) and my family grew with my son, I had a new perspective on life. So felt I would look into mole mapping.

A few months ago I asked my GP who (to my surprise) without seeing put new in for a referral to a dermatologist. He looked me over and generally said they were in good shape. However he was interested in the newer one on my foot....only about 3mm. I went for my photos the following day and now we wait. 

I have a habit of worrying and reading about acral lentiginous melanoma and so on has left me nervous. Information is complicated and scarce. I was show a close up of the mole during the photos and I find myself comparing. My imagination is running wild and at only 30, I can't help but feel if all is well, this may be the first bag of nerves of many as I go through annual checks. 

Just looking for advice from anyone with experiences of this. While you see moles on people's faces and arms, you don't often see people's soles and palms, so never know how common it is. 

Thanks, Matt

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Offline

    Hi Matt.I find myself in a similar situation at the moment and it's so good to talk to someone about it.I saw my GP a couple of weeks ago about a mole on my foot as I feel it is either new or different to how it was originally.GP was not overly concerned but said would refer me to be sure.I saw the Dermatologist this week who said it is a cause for concern and needs removing asap so am I booked in for this coming Friday.I stupidly googled and now my mind is in over drive.I feel sick 

  • Offline in reply to Helenbrad37

    Wow, I wasn't sure I would get a response in general let alone someone in the same boat as me! 

    I'm sorry that you are having to go through it and also with the comments from your dermatologist only adding to this. I must admit that my dermatologist said he was not concerned but was interested to look further, which I am only happy for him to do so. 

    I find that Google for all of its cruelty in making you panic has helped me to just get down the docs. I have only not been too fussed to visit previously because as I said, I have always had a mole on my foot and other peculiar places, it had always behaved but wanted to opt to be proactive than reactive. 

    Without being too personal, how big is yours?

  • Offline in reply to MattU

    Haha, I was glad to see your post too

    I dont really know what made me get mine checked tbh.I cant really pin point how long it has been there either.it is tiny,maybe the size of a rice krispie.

    When are you expecting to hear something?

  • Offline in reply to Helenbrad37

    Mine might even be a bit smaller than that. But it isn't really size that matters I don't think. 

    Not sure when I expect to hear back, also not sure if the dermatologist just said he will look into it because I said it was the only one I was more intrigued by. 

    I just got fed up with thinking "has that one changed? Is that one bigger? Was that one there before?" So I just took the stand to get it observed. Takes a bit of pressure off that way. 

    Google is full of interesting stuff but also intentionally unhelpful. Have you ever had any cut out before? My mum had many done as the doctors just appear not to like atypical ones. 

  • Offline in reply to MattU

    No I have not had any moles removed previously.I have got lots of moles and have had them checked previously but never required any removing.Roll on Friday to get it off but then got a fortnight's wait for results.I pray they come before xmas

  • Offline in reply to Helenbrad37

    That's what I find weird about mine. They have not mentioned removal and it took me 2 months to get as far as the dermatologist after the GP didn't want to see me because of COVID. She did go through the usual checks and other than it not being perfectly symmetrical or perfectly one colour, she did say the size did not cause her concern and no changes even less so :neutral: I also use an app called skinvision to keep and eye on it and others and no change. 

    I think the dermatologist is edging on the assymetrical front which I'd be surprised he wouldn't want to remove because from what I have read they often do not like to leave them. 

    There is so much info out there and the big "C" word comes up often and scares you mad! 

    I hope your results are only a good outcome and it is just a little health scare. 

     

  • Offline in reply to MattU

    Hey people,

    It's been over a week since having the photos taken. Should I have received a call from the dermatologist yet or should I have expected one?

    Cannot help but think should I be reassured not to have heard or is beyond a week normal? I don't like to chase too much as I know doctors are busy but when it is about yourself, only you matter

     

    Thanks

  • Offline in reply to MattU

    So I had my dermatology appointment on Friday and the 2and dermatologist was of the opinion that the mole did not need removing and was a new mole establishing itself.So 2 weeks of worry for nothing.I had pictures taken and was told I would be called back in 3 months to compare it.Perhaps that is what will happen with you?

  • Offline in reply to Helenbrad37

    That is really great news Helen. At least you also had the benefit of a second opinion. It may have been a worry but that is a good outcome. I think they tend to prefer not just chopping them out left right and centre as they are always a good marker for other moles.

    Maybe it is the same for me? He said I want a photo as I am interested but we will meet again in 4 months. I'll talk to his secretary on Monday and see what she says 

  • Offline in reply to Helenbrad37

    Hi Helen, 

    Well turns out the dermatologist is not immediately concerned about the mole but wants to watch is under surveillance. So first appointment is in 4 months, then another in 8 months so checks become annual. 

    Hope your next appointment goes well. 

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