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Concerned about skin cancer

Seiyuuki
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Hi

I've got some concerns I have early stage symptoms of skin cancer. Im 31, and over the last couple of months I have noticed a few of my moles have changed colour/shape/got raised but are still relatively small. I've also noticed a lot more moles are appearing on my arms, and a couple on my legs. But they are all still under 5mm, so I guess quite small?

I always am nervous I'm wasting a GPS time so rarely speak to them unless I really feel like I should - and I did speak to someone on Friday, but she said to keep an eye on them and wait 3 months to see if there are more changes. 

Im still concerned, and told my partner over the weekend, and neither of us want to wait 3 months but I also don't want to go back to my gp for them to just say the same thing. Can I push for a referral even if they don't deem it necessary? 

  • Offline

    Hi,

    Did you speak to someone over the phone or in person? Was it a GP? Have they seen the moles in person or from photos you sent?

    On the face of it your moles sound to be fine. It's normal for new moles to appear at any time up to age 40 - after that age any new moles that appear should be checked out. If you have several moles that have changed colour, shape etc that's also normal - it's very rare that someone would suffer from two or more malignant moles at the same time so your moles are probably fine.

    I would suggest that for the moment you keep a photographic diary of the moles that concern you. You can do this either on your phone - place a ruler next to the mole each time and take a photo once a week for a month - this will be easier to pick out any changes in size, shape or colour etc. The other option is to use a mole checking App - it takes a photo & tells you if the mole should be checked by a GP. This company are very good and promoted by melanoma charities https://www.skinvision.com/

    If, after using either options I suggest, you see that a mole is changing then get back in touch with your GP and show them the photos (or App) and ask for a referral.

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

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie

    Thank you for that detailed response - I spoke to a GP over the phone, and they saw photos of my concerns but I have not seen someone in person.

    I thoroughly appreciate what you have told me - some of that information I wouldn't have known. I was under the impression you mainly get new moles and changes when in your teens/early 20s and knowing that it's pretty rare to suffer from multiple malignant moles at the same time has put my mind at ease a little. 

    I will take your advice and do a photo a day for a month, then go from there. I appreciate your response

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