Scared I have skin cancer and its too late

Hi 

Please could anyone reassure me or tell me their experience of this. 

A month ago my partner noticed a black mole on my lower back. I looked online and it said if all black it's ok. I thought it was ok and I'll keep eye on it.

2 weeks later my beautician also mentioned this mole but this time she told me it was half brown and half black and I should get it looked at. This sent me into a panic as I have health anxiety already.

I did an econsult and sent pictures to my doctor. He called me in a few days later and was very matter of fact telling me it could be skin cancer.

I got an urgent referral within 2 weeks. I was hoping for some reassurance from the dermatologist. She was lovely but said it was suspicious and needs to be removed. They had space the next day so I went in and had it removed.

That was when it hit me that this could be cancer. I cried all the way home as its all happened so quickly and was in shock.

They've told me the results could take 4 to 6 weeks. I've stupidly looked online and all the black coloured moles are melanoma the deadliest form of cancer.

Due to it being on my back I don't know how long it's been there. I'm convinced it's cancer and it's spread. Any ache or pain I think the cancer has spread.

The fact all articles say you wouldn't feel ill or know if melanoma had spread makes me so scared. It's like I've already written myself off.

I'm getting married in November and all I can think about is what's the point as I'm going to die in my 30s.

Has anyone had a black mole that's turned out to be ok?

Any advise or how to cope with the wait would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks

Claire 

Parents
  • I had a black mole removed from base of my spine last year. I saw my GP following a diagnosis of melanoma for my sister. I was referred to the consultant, seen within 5 days, had the mole removed within another 7 and like you was in absolute fear/panic. When the path lab results came back it was benign. Stay positive x

  • Hi 

    Thankyou for your reply. I havent heard of superficial spreading that reassures me about early diagnosis.

    Was your sister OK?

    I really hope I can deal with what's thrown my way. It's just so scary and sends you into a panic x

  • My sister's experience was very different and was a fast growing melanoma on her knee but as a result my brother and I were both advised to be checked which is when my GP discovered the mole on my back confirmed by the consultant as suspicious. As I said, it turned out to have been completely benign but I went through every stage of panic waiting for the results. I think the reassurance I wanted to give is that just because they act quickly and mention the word suspicious doesn't mean the outcome is necessarily adverse. Fingers crossed for your results x

  • Aw sorry to hear that. Thankyou. Yes I need to stay level headed but the panic eats you up. Thankyou for your reply x 

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