Hi,

I know how anxious you will feel but it's good that your mole is being removed quickly. It's normal to look on the bleakest side but until the biopsy shows it's melanoma there is still a small chance that the dermatologist has got it wrong. That is why a biopsy is the only foolproof way to diagnose melanoma - it's such a sneaky, unpredictable cancer.

If it is melanoma, there is still a good chance it's been caught early and can be successfully treated with further surgery and a period of monitoring. So try not to think the worst and don't beat yourself up about not checking them frequently lately, it's good that you know what to look out for!

Good luck with the excision and the results. Please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie

Thank you so much for replying. Yes I'll let you know how it goes. I'm very nervous but trying to keep myself busy 

Hey, please could I ask how you are getting on, I have just found a brown and black mole and I'm now freaking out. I have been to the doctors and waiting on my dermatology appointment to come through.

thanks 

Hello SKenna3. I'm sorry to hear you've recently found a mole that looks suspicious. Try not to freak out until you've seen the dermatologist. Easier said than done but from experience freaking out until you have the full facts plays havoc with your overall health and well-being.  As you've probably read I also found a suspicious mole that unfortunately turned out to be melanoma. The good news is that  fortunately it was only stage 1A and has now been removed completely with a second operation. I'm just on 3 monthly checks for a year or two. I totally understand why you are worrying but please try to keep yourself occupied until you've seen the derm. They will tell you if they think you require a biopsy. Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on and if you need to chat more I'll happily chat away. Take care of yourself x 

Yeah my appointment isn't until next Friday and it's torture. I'm a mum of 2 aswell so all I can think about is the worst for them.

Thank goodness you spotted yours early!

Was your mole very large? Did you feel any different? Have any other side effects? 
 

thank you so much! X

Hello SKenna3. Try not to worry at the moment, I know that's easier said than done but there's a really good chance if and it's a big if it's something suspicious or melanoma that it's been caught early. Mine was fully removed with the biopsy and the 2nd operation was a belt and braces to try and stop any reacurrance. I'd had my mole on my lower leg for over 20 years and i noticed it had changed. It had grown to 7mm and part of it had gone dark brown/black. It was flat and not ulcerated or bleeding. It still looked awful to me and the derm told me what he suspected but they can only confirm once the biopsy is done. Mine was superficial spreading melanoma stage 1A. I didn't have any symptoms apart from how the mole looked but some people do seem to experience itching. I hope your appointment comes round quickly as the waiting is by far the worst bit. Good luck and let me know how you get on. If you want to private message me send me a request and I will happily accept ️ Take care x 

Hello SKenna3, just wondering how you are?  I remember the waiting game all too well, so just wanted to check in with you and make sure you're ok.  K x

Hey 1974,

Thank you for thinking of me, I would love to private message but I don't actually know how to?

I actually paid and went to see a private dermatologist last Friday. The stress was making me ill, I couldn't stop crying. The dermatologist said it could be nothing or cancer in the early stages, but the mole wasn't shouting at him that he thought it needed to come off right away and he thought I should wait and do it through the NHS, but it is definitely being removed. My NHS appointment is tomorrow morning. I feel like I don't know if I should read between the lines with his comment or take it for what he said. 
I have had two atypical moles removed previously and this mole looks completely different to them. I actually downloaded a skin app and was given the high risk alert by that. 
I just want the removal and results to come as fast as possible. I just want to move on from it. 
 

Hiya. I'm glad you've managed to at least see a private dermatologist and I'd be encouraged by what they've told you. The only way to know 100% whether it's melanoma or not is the biopsy unfortunately. My dermatologist told me when I first saw him that he didn't like the look of it and tried to fit me in the same day for biopsy. That concerned me a lot and I knew in the back of my mind that it was more than likely melanoma. Hopefully you'll get the results quickly but be prepared to possibly have to wait 4-6 weeks as that seems to be the length of time it takes for the results.  Best of luck for tomorrow x ps I'll try and send you a friend request if I can manage it ha!! 

Hi Skenna3 and [@1974]‍, 

I noticed you were thinking about private messaging but were a bit unsure of how to get started so I just thought I'd share this handy guide we have on how to add a friend as you need to do this before you can start using it.

I hope this helps, but if you have any problems, just give me a shout :happy:

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator 

Hi, I had 3 suspicious moles removed last week from both legs and anxiously waiting for the results.  I feel your pain so sending lots of light and love your way.

Hi, I had 3 suspicious moles removed last week from both legs and anxiously waiting for the results.  I feel your pain so sending lots of light and love your way.

Hi Nikster.

so sorry to hear you are also going through this, with 3 moles too.

I had my derm appointment on Friday and they removed it on the day due to a cancellation.

I have had a letter to see the derm in 6 weeks.

I just thought I'd have 'negative' results in the post. Have you had a letter for a follow up appointment? 
 

You're in my thoughts xx

hi all. I really relate to your stories.  So happy that yours was grade 1. Such a relief. Mum of 2 smallies here too and I am a bag of nerves and cant eat or sleep for the last week. I feel sick to my stomach with worry. When I look at them I nearly cry.  Found a mark on my foot last April. Didnt think it looked like a mole.  Kept seeing it all summer but forgot about it during the winter with socks and slippers it didnt even grab my attention.  But last week it did. It had grown and changed from what I remembered. Then in hind sight I remember having a small mole there before that I didnt think of last year when I saw it. My Gp send referral last week and I am being seen on Thursday morning (Cancellation apt).  Dr google has written me off because of where it is and I was in the fitting room in tkmaxx today and noticed alot more atypical moles.   I have millions of small ones and I never thought to check them. I always look after my bigger ones with factor 50 .  I am praying to god its a nevus but I know deep down that its bad news.  I cant bring myself to tell my husband what is going on. I cant face it. I told my bestie this morning on the phone and brokedown and hung up on her. I am just not able to talk. She wants to come with me on Thursday but I think I will be a bigger mess if I can someone that cares about me around. I am never good at being looked after. I am the tough one attitude. My mind is racing 24/7.  Thursday is even too far away. I am supposed to be getting excited about my friends wedding in Tuscany in May. My husband is like lets, book this and I just cant allow myself to look that far ahead right now.  He knows there is something wrong although I am trying to hide it. I had a bug on Saturday and he said, should i be worried about you or somethink. I was like I have a bug and he goes " I am afraid you have cancer or something" I nearly got sick on the spot and but laughed it off. Anyways I am sooooo sorry for the ramblng.  But I just need to off load. xx

Hi Aisling,

So sorry to read your message, but glad you are looking for support. I actually have my results tomorrow and concerned that they have called me in.

Please tell your husband, it really is important to talk things through, he will be thinking the worst and probably wondering why you can't talk to him. I'm sure your husband would love to help you in any way he can. The waiting is horrible, but to be honest I have felt relief since the mole was removed.

When I went to see a derm about a mole last year he spoke about looking at the moles across your whole body and looking if there is a pattern that is normal for you, I hope this may relieve some concerns. A lot of my moles are big or a mole within a mole but he said this is normal for me. 
 

Please keep in touch. I am sending you some positive vibes and wish you the best of luck.

p.s Nikster... have you received any news on your moles yet?

Thank you so much for your reply. X  I will be thinking of you tomorrow. I really hope for the best outcome. I've many strange ones. One massive one on my bum , one big cocopop one on my neck. Had one removed from my back as a teenager ,never told why really. But assume it was all OK. Massive scar though. One beside that that's half white from when I had a massive pimple grow in it.  I have always thought of getting mole mapping done. Will deffo regardless of my outcome have a completely different outlook on my skin and investing in this. I will mention it hopefully tomorrow.  Just very teary now. Like you I just want it gone.  I was hoping it be done sooner instead of having to wait for biopsy result .  Best of luck tomorrow.  Hope you get some sleep tonight. Xx