Worried about getting Melanoma (29/F) and need advice

I picked this one mole on my leg a lot (and the one on my arms). I pick them until they bleed sometimes. I noticed them gotten suddenly got very dark in December but with no change in size and still even colour. They are small. A little smaller than a cottonbud head.

I was given an urgent referral in 18th Feb. I live in Edinburgh so things are very slow. My appointment with the dermatologist is on the 10th (next week). Is this too long? I know that melanoma can spread very quickly and I heard I would not get biopsy on the same day as well.

A private GP said I can this remove right away on the 12th, which should be a lot sooner than the actual public appointment. So should I book the biopsy straight away? or waiting one week more for NHS diagnosis wouldnt make that much of a difference? 

I'm from south east asia where melanoma is one of the rarest cancer. But I couldn't stop worrying since it has been 3 months and I'm scared it may have already spread (if it is cancerous).

Note: I stupidly took 4 emergency pill in 2 months in October/November. 2 of them was taken in the span of two weeks. My GP said this huge hormonal surge could be causing darken of the moles as well, similar to pregnant women. Any one had this experience?

  • Hi GaelM,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to read of your worries about this, I can understand this must be unsettling. The timescales you've mentioned are fairly common, and in particular at the moment it is unfortunately normal to have a bit of a longer wait for appointments and results.

    The additional week shouldn't make much difference, however if you have any concerns and would like to talk things through then it may help to speak to one of our nurses. If you'd like to do this, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Ben. I just got a call and they are still unsure after 3 moles removed. They said the cells are odd looking so they are planning to do further test (stain test) to rule out malignancy. Apparently, all 3 of them have these characteristics, so the gp told me to be positive since multiple primary melanomas are rare.

    Im still very worried since I always jump to the worst case scenario (stage 3+). The mole was very small and I am Asian with very few moles around my body. If all 3 of them are malignant then I guess I win the jackpot :D

    I will give the nurse a call:) Thank you!