Hello,

I understand how your feeling, two weeks ago I went to my GP about a mole that randomly appeared  at the top of my but cheek which was very dark in colour. My GP took one look and referred me to the dermatologist at the hospital.

I had my appointment today two weeks after my GP appointment at the hospital, the doctor asked me lots of questions at first such have I used Sunbeds etc. Then  took a look at my mole with a magnifying glass she confirmed that it was 5mm x 7mm and had irregular edges and it looked suspicious she took a photograph and showed me and I could see how irregular it look, she then said it's coming out today.

I was a bit taken back as I honestly thought it would be nothing. The procedure was under local anaesthetic and took around 10 minutes and didn't hurt at all. I have now been advised results can take up to two weeks so it's just a waiting game now.

I hope that helps, try not to worry as you might not even get to that stage,  best to be on the safe side and have it checked.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and i'm sorry that you are going through this! I'm surprised that your mole was taken out the same day, i had assumed that if they needed to do that it would be at a different appointment! I hope you get your results soon and that it comes back clear!

I was literally in the same position 2 weeks ago. I was growing increasingly concererned over a mole I've had as long as I can remember but started to worry that it had gone darker without me realising. I had a telephone app on the same day and sent over pictures and the dr referred me within the 2ww as it had jagged edges (I hadn't even noticed that at that point).

I had a clinic appointment last Friday and the nurse took specialist pictures with some kind of microscopic lense for a dermatologist to review. I was absolutely convinced it was sinister. I didn't sleep, cried constantly  and could hardly eat for the whole 2 weeks but had a call yesterday to say it's completely normal and they had no concerns over it at all.

I know you might not feel like it now but it's more than likely to be nothing and its just a precaution. Hope you manage to put it to the back of your mind a little whilst you're waiting to be seen.  
 

Hi, I was recently worried about a mole, just seemed to have two slightly different colours but otherwise ok. In fact I really just talked myself into it being something. In the end I read about an app called Skinvision and took a pic and paid £7 to use it's algorithm to assess it. Just said low risk so I was happy with that. If it said high would go to the GP.  But otherwise useful to do a monthly check and take pics with a ruler of any moles you're worried about or just simply want to keep an eye on, I just save those pics on a folder on my phone. Just try not to let your mind run away with you and avoid googling for pics of cancerous moles even though it's hard not to I know.

Thank you so much for your reply! I am so glad that you results came back clear! 

Hi Kep11,

You've had some good advice already so I just wanted to add that, should they decide your mole needs removing it is usually done at another appointment. However, due to less patients seeing their GP's because of Covid, there are less referrals to the hospital and dermatologists have more appointment slots available. So if they have the time & facility to remove at that first appoinment they will do. This is good because it's got rid of the mole & it lessens the wait time for results! Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Res87,

Good luck with your results. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Mum2222,

It's great to hear your mole was benign and thanks for sharing on the forum. Many people have benign results but they don't come back to tell others that are going through the same worry - this then skews the 'bad v good' results when reading people's posts. Take care,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Thank you for your reply! I guess i shall just have to wait and see what they say. I'm trying to remain calm but it's hard not to let your thoughts run away! I've now convinced myself it's spread as i found a tender spot on my neck last night... my husband felt my neck and said my glands didn't feel swollen but the tender patch was still there... i should have just left it alone rather than try and find evidence that it may or may not have spread! i think i'll feel better once the appointment comes through. 

Hi detbosch,

Thanks for sharing your advice regarding taking photos every month with a ruler. This is a good way of calming the worries when checking your moles.

Can I just suggest regarding skin apps, please don't put all your faith in these apps as research shows they are, at best, only 81% accurate in their detection ability. I know of two patients who used the apps and it told them their moles were low risk - it turned out to be melanoma. The apps have also been known to give false positives - which scares the hell out of people only to be told there is nothing suspicious about their moles! We had a discussion at a patient conference regarding apps and the dermatologists present said that they should only be used as a 'guideline.' If a dermatologist, plastic surgeon and histologist can't tell if a mole is cancerous until it's scientifically examined, they advise not to put all your trust in an app. The only positive thing about apps is the ability to take magnified photos of the mole. So, even if the app says your mole is low risk but you still aren't sure, see your GP.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)