2mm mole scabbed, help!

Hello, so I'm wondering if someone has anyone insight on this or what I should do.

I'm 27 and have a 2mm (in surface area), flat mole on my abdomen (it's almost like a circular freckle, I've never really paid much attention to it). It was a medium-dark brown colour like a few small ones I have on my arm. A week ago however, I noticed that the area now has a scab and the mole cannot be seen. The area isn't raised but I've noticed a lighter patch around the scab. It hasn't been bleeding/weeping and it doesn't hurt or itch. 

I went to my doctors and they barely looked at it (no scope to get a closer look etc), and just said I have probably caught it without knowing (although it was completely flat so not sure how that would've happened?). They then said to just watch to see if it gets bigger over 3 weeks and if it does to call back and they'll refer me.

I don't feel as though they were very thorough, I was in and out in a few minutes, but I'm worried about it and scared to call back in case I'm wasting their time over something so tiny. But then I'm worried that it's cancerous and leaving it 3 weeks won't be safe. 
 

 

 

  • Hello SWalker88,

    I'm sorry you didn't feel your appointment was thorough enough, but you should keep an eye on the lump and contact your doctor if it changes in any way. Please try not to worry. If you're ever unhappy with the way you're being looked after by your current doctor you may want to consider getting a second opinion you can find out more about this here

    I hope you find the reassurance you need,

    Moderator Anastasia 

  • Hi,

    I'm sorry you don't feel that your GP has addressed your concerns fully. I agree with Anastasia about getting a second opinion to put your mind at rest.

    Not all GPs can use a dermascope - only those that are trained and specialise in skin problems. Some practices have a GP that deals with this so I would ring your surgery & ask if they have one. If they don't, ask to see a different GP that you have more faith in. NICE guidance to GPs is that they should refer a patient to dermatology if the mole scores certain points under the ABCD rules OR if they are unsure about how it looks. GP's and even dermatologists can't tell, by the naked eye, if something is cancerous so push for it to be looked at with a dermascope, either at the surgery by a dermatology trained GP or by a dermatologist via a referral. Meanwhile, if you haven't any photos of the mole, take them now, just in case it changes again.

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)