I understand I'm in exactly the same position not knowing it's just awful!! You aren't alone hope it all goes well for you xxx

Hi Saz,

I saw the dermatologist 6 weeks ago about a mole I realised had changed and looked very suspicious. I keep going over what she said in my head and thinking the worst so I know how you feel. I had to wait 2 weeks to get the mole removed which was horrible because I just wanted it gone, wouldn't even look at it! I felt a bit better once it was removed so it's good you only have to wait until Friday.

Remember that many lesions look suspicious but turn out to be fine, it can be difficult for the dermatologist to tell. Perhaps she is erring on the side of caution in wanting it removed. Even if it has turned dodgy it sounds like you've been monitoring it and getting it checked every year so it will have been caught early. If it's benign, well then it's gone anyway and you never have to worry about it again!

I know its really hard not to feel anxious about it. I was a wreck for a few days before I calmed down. It's a bit of a rollercoaster!! But try to tell yourself positive things. Chances are that it's benign or very early stage and you will be absolutely fine!!

Blobby has given you really good advice. 75% of patients referred to dermatology get a clean bill of health because GP's and dermatologists err on the side of caution when dealing with dodgy looking moles. No one can tell if it's dodgy with the naked eye - the dermascope shows up any unusual cell changes and then a biopsy gives a 100% decision of benign, cancerous or dysplastic. As blobby says, having it monitored will mean that you have caught it early, if turns out to be melanoma. Early stage melanoma patients have a 95% chance of having no further problems so try not to focus on worse case scenarios. I hope you, blobby89 and Sarahg75 all get your results back very soon and that they bring you all good news. Please let us know how you all get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you all for your replies. 
 

I think it's just the waiting that's the worst part. I do suffer anxiety (funnily enough started by this lesion 8 years ago!) All I ever wanted was it to be removed but now I'm scared about it. I have contacted my GP today to see if I can get something to help me calm a bit etc so hooefully they will come back to me soon. 
 

I keep thinking about what the dermatologist said and wondering what she meant by it all. Of course I won't know and she wouldn't be able to tell me anyway! It will be her removing it on Friday. 
 

thank you again and will keep updated. 
 

sarahg75 and blobby89 I do hope you hear back soon and all is well with you both. Fingers crossed and take care. 
 

AngieT thank you so much also for your reply. It has all helped me put a little perspective on things. I really appreciate your responses x

Hi 

Thanks Angie I've just had a biopsy and waiting results and glad you're being helpful on here as I am the same as the others.  My mole I've had for years was 3mm - 2 years ago and the dermatologist looked at it with a dermascope and said that's not cancer and just keep an eye on it so I trusted him saying that.  It is now 4mm x 5mm and became slightly raised so I went back and he said it was suspicious so has removed it and they said it was thin (my mind is saying they were saying that just to make me feel better).  Can they tell from a biopsy if it is thin? Is that rate of growth a positive or bad sign?  
 

Thank you

Fran 

Hi Angie

Thanks so much for your time to reply which has given me some comfort while waiting as I didn't know they could judge it - they used a punch biopsy.  I will let you know and wish all people on here the very best it's good to have a place to talk thank you xx

Hi all

Well I had my biopsy on Friday and now have a massive wound on the side of my head (open no stitches). It hasn't been too bad to deal with though. The specialist felt my lymph nodes at the same time and said they felt good but then again I'm sure they won't say anything different. She wasn't the easiest of people to get on with (the same lady as I originally saw).
 

just got to wait for the results now. Funnily I had been calm up until today about it all after the initial shock of having to have it removed. I had my dressing changed today and had a bit of a meltdown in the waiting room with all the cancer posters to keep me occupied! 
 

Hopefully if it is Melanoma they have got it all out or it hasn't gone too deep. One step done (the original removal) now onto the next. Gotta try and see some positive in it all as my little girls know something is upsetting me. X

Hi Saz,

Glad to hear your biopsy hasn't been too bad, hope you are coping ok with the wait for results. That is the worst bit! I had good days and bad days but it definitely helped me to avoid googling and telling myself it would be early stage and I'd be ok. 

Fortunately that turned out to be the case! A lot of worrying for nothing. Had my results appointment on Thursday and it was a melanoma in situ. Not as good a result as it being benign obviously but extremely relieved that I caught it early and it wasn't any deeper, especially when I had a worry about this mole 3 years ago but GP told me it was fine! They removed it all in the biopsy so I don't need any more surgery or follow up :)

I really hope that you also get good news, chances are you will do. Do let us know how you get on x

Hey

that's fantastic news! I'm so happy for you. At least now it is done and you can finally relax. I know what you mean about the GP not doing anything about it. This is still my main worry that because he wouldn't do anything it's got way worse than it should have. 
 

I have up and down days but the relief to have it off has helped. I've got two little kiddies so they keep me busy especially now it's the weekend! 
 

Im back up the hospital on Monday for a dressing change. That's the worst part for me being back up there and recalling the info from the dermatologist. 
 

Will keep you updated. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I really do hope I get some good news like you. x