New, possible cancer

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Hello everyone. I'm new to the forums.

I've been a bit worried about one of my moles for a few years. I watched it turn from a normal but wide mole into more of an "egg" (dark patch in the middle). I was told by my GP to watch for (more) changes but over the years I didn't really notice it change. Recently I saw that the egg shape had split apart into what looks like 5 or 6 little tiny moles all grouped together, and now I have a second mole that I'm worried about between my fingers. I have a private scan for both booked with Boots in October.

I hope it's alright to post here before I even know for sure.

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    I know how worrying it can be when you realise that a mole you have has changed. From personal experience I would suggest that you make an appointment to see your GP. Please don't wait for the results of any "private scan" you've arranged as I'm sure Boots will tell you to see your GP if they think that the results of the scan look suspicious and you'll have wasted time.

    If your GP is at all concerned that the moles are suspicious they'll put you on the urgent pathway to see a consultant dermatologist who will decide whether the moles need removing and sending off for biopsy.

    The online community is divided into different support forums so I'm going to recommend that you join us over in the melanoma forum as that will give you the chance to connect directly with others who have been where you are now.

    To join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.

    If you have any problems navigating the community, drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.

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  • Hi PurpleRing, and welcome it's perfectly fine for you to post before a possible diagnosis, though I like everyone else on here I will be hoping you get good news, especially as you are so young.

    It's good to see you are being proactive and a scan booked. my best wishes with your scan, take care

    Eddie 

  • Don’t wait! Contact your GP who will make a referral under the 2 week wait.  I had a mole for 30 years that changed and was diagnosed as stage 2a melanoma.  I have just had a wide local excision and a sentinel lymph node biopsy and am now just waiting for the results. You don’t need a private scan. 

  • Thank you latchbrook. I booked the private scan as it said results in only a week, but in reality I wouldn't have the money to continue private beyond the initial appointment. I'm just anxious about getting an answer as soon as possible, but I think you're right - I think it might be best if I go to my GP to begin with. Thanks again

  • Thanks Chris, I'm really just anxious about finding out as soon as possible, but the NHS pathway is probably best for me.

  • When I contacted the GP in March I saw a consultant 5 days later and had the mole removed 5 days after that so couldn’t fault the NHS.  Waiting is definitely the hardest thing but the skin cancer nurses at the hospital are brilliant at answering any questions.

  • That's really reassuring, thank you

  • Yes, definitely make an appointment to see your GP. 

    As far as I'm aware, a scan can't tell if a mole is cancerous or not otherwise I'm sure those of us who have had moles removed in the past would have had one.

    The normal procedure to check 'dodgy' moles is to have them removed and biopsied. A lot of moles come back as 'atypical', which basically means they don't look like a normal mole, but some will be melanoma.

    I'll be keeping everything crossed for you 

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