Hi,

Melanoma is very difficult to diagnose, for certain, without a biopsy. This is because we exhibit no other symptoms when our mole starts to look dodgy (in fact we still feel fit and well throughout our treatment unless it then spreads within the body) so the consultants have no other signs to go on as with other cancers. Some dermatologists, and GP's who specialise in dermatology, have enough experience to have a good idea if it looks more probable to be melanoma but even then they have been known to be wrong. My melanona was removed 24 years ago - my dermatologist was pretty sure it was melanoma and over the years she has had great intuition but she always backed it with a caveat that she could be wrong (she rarely was)! So there is still a chance that it may look nasty but it's not melanoma (an option is that it could be dysplastic - pre-cancerous).

The good thing is that it's being removed quickly - hopefully it will be fine but if not, catching it quickly heightens the odds of treating it successfully & you having no further problem in the future. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Lyns21, thank you for taking the time to reply. I am so pleased that your other half had a successful removal. I am very much hoping for the same result. The waiting is such a painful process!

Hi AngieT, thank you for taking the time to reply and share your experiences. It sounds as though you have had a great dermatologist caring for you! I am a bit frustrated with myself for not contacting my gp sooner as I noticed the changes at least a year ago. But as you said, it will be removed quickly so I will know for certain very soon!