Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Mole grown to 1cm

Pip93
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 131 views

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice/reassurance. I have a mole that's been slowly growing for two-three years. It started the size of a freckle and has grown to 1cm now. I keep going back to the doctors - I've had it photographed and the pictures examined by dermatology maybe every six months since this started, but they don't seem concerned by the ongoing growth, even though the mole is getting quite large.

It's flat, two shades of brown and has a fairly even border. It's the size and the growth that concerns me, especially as I have a strong family history of melanoma. My mum has been stage IV for the last two years.

I've just been called back to have more pictures taken of the mole, but I'm really worried they still won't remove it and I'm scared it's a melanoma that's slowly growing.

I'm not sure what to do.

Thank you.

Pip

  • Hi Pip93,

    My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists

    We hope you are finding the support and information from the online community helpful.

    This sounds like a really worrying time for you right now.

    Its good that your GP is reviewing the changes to your mole. You’re doing the right thing by going back to your GP and that the dermatology department is being involved on each occasion. Situations like this can cause concern especially with your mum being diagnosed with melonoma. I can only imagine what is going through your mind right now. It’s important you let your GP know what you are thinking. This is so they can give you the best support both physically as well as emotionally. It may be worthwhile discussing a possible face to face consultation with a dermatologist to help put your mind at rest.

    In general, any change noticed should always be reviewed. Looking at this information from British Association of Dermatologists may be helpful.

    A family history of  melanoma can increase your risk if you have a close relative with melanoma. Its thought the rationale behind this is families tend to have the same colouring and skin type. In some situations genetics can be a factor however the risk with this is low around 10%., Risks do increase if the relative concerned had melanoma before they were 30, or if more than one close relative has been diagnosed with melonoma.  Looking at this information from Cancer Research UK will explain this in a little more detail.

    However the main risks associated with melanoma is usually exposure to ultra violet radiation which causes 85% of cases in the UK .So taking care of your skin is very important to reduce risk .

     If you think it may be helpful why not give our support line a call and have a chat with one of our nurses to discuss this in a little more detail if required.

    take care.

    Keith, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

     

    Ref KM/FH

     

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007