Is it stupid to go to the doctor about this mole

[Imachocolateportal]

Hello,

I will start by explaining I have a deep fear of going to the doctor and finding out that nothing is wrong/I have wasted their time. Its hard to explain but it makes me feel so very stupid and small.

For much of my life I have had a light blue mole (blue nevus I think they are called?) on my arm. I am now 30.

A couple of years ago I noticed it darkening on one side. I didn't really think much of it at the time. However the darkness has become much more pronounced, and is now a hard lump. The rest of the mole is still light blue, flat and soft.

I honestly am not sure how long it has been like this, I don't give moles the attention I probably should.

It is small only about 5-6mm.

Would it be ridiculous to see the doctor about the mole?

As I am not sure how long it has been like this and it is small, I feel very silly going. My DP has made an appointment for me to see the doc (29th Jan), but the little voice in my head is telling me to cancel.

Would you go? Am I being silly to see the doctor about it? I am adding a picture so you can see what it is like, although it is not a good picture as a very hard angel to take.

[LadySybilLikesSloeGin]

The only mole a doctor wouldn't want to see is one you've dug from your garden. Please do go, they will care. You're not being silly, it's best to check it.

[YvesJutteau]

No, you're not being silly. Changes in the appearances of moles should be taken seriously.

[nutsinwinter]

Nope not silky. Please go. (Long experience of mole removal here unfortunately. They always prefer you to go than not to go.) Hopefully it will be nothing.

[SpottyTeacakes]

Of course go! 26th means it's a routine appt so definitely not wasting their time. I'm a drs receptionist and we always have people make appts to get moles checked hopefully it's nothing but at least then you'll know

[Bugsylugs]

It's fine to go we look at loads. Re photograph it with a tape measure alongside. Repeat in 8, 12 and 16 weeks to see if any change and keep an eye.

[nutsinwinter]

Silky = silly, obvs.

[caravanista13]

I can't see the picture on my phone but I would say you should definitely go if you have noticed any changes.

[LuluJakey1]

Go- definitely. Better have it checked even if it is nothing than not and keep worrying and then wish you had. I have been referred to the melanoma clinic twice and had them checked. Neither turned out to be anything.

[ProcrastIWillFinishThisLater]

It's never silly to see a dr about a mole.

[FannyFanakapan]

i had a little mole on the back of my leg. It had a black dot in the middle, about the size of a pinhead. When they removed it and tested it, it was a melanoma. Get it checked out!

[LadySybilLikesSloeGin]

I have one right at the top of my leg on the inside. I went to see the GP years ago and he referred me to the hospital to get it removed but I didn't receive the appointment. Thanks for the nudge

[Longdistance]

I'm getting a mole seen to. It's a new one, or possibly one I haven't seen before. My fil had a mole checked, and his was indeed cancerous, he had radiotherapy. And is now fine.

We used to live in Oz, so I'm getting it checked out for peace of mind if anything.

My appointment isn't til next Wednesday though

We could swap notes if you like?

[Imachocolateportal]

Wow, I didn't expect so many responses so quickly! Thank you everyone for taking the time :)

So a unanimous yes go! I suppose that answers my question.

It is true I have been worrying for more than 8 minutes. I noticed the hardness a few weeks ago, and last week I dealt with a customers site (I work in webhosting) which had a thing about moles on it, which got my mind ticking over.

My DP was nagging me to go (hence him making the appointment) but he is always on at me to go to the doctors recently (been generally a bit off for a while with other stuff... unrelated sort of problems I think).

Thank you everyone. It does make me feel much less stupid to see so many others think i should go.

[Macloveswill]

Listening to a programme on radio 4 about this only a couple of days ago.

Consensus was that if any mole is bigger than the blunt end of a pencil, you should get it checked.

Super especially if it changes in appearance or a lump forms underneath.

So definitely go to the doctors and soon! Hope its nothing, but best to be on the safe side and doctors really don't mind if you're wrong!

[Imachocolateportal]

@FannyFanakapan Oh no! I am sorry to hear that. I hope it is all clear now!

@LadySybilLikesSloeGin I am glad my worrying has been of a worthwhile use! :)

@Longdistance - Yes we definitely could swap notes! My appointment will be about a week after yours, but I will check back for an update from you. I am glad your FIL is now fine.

[FannyFanakapan]

imachocolateportal, its fine - they cut it out, tested it, and then cut another border around it. I have a 4 inch scar, but it was caught very early and I have needed no further treatment.

[Imachocolateportal]

FannyFanakapan - I am glad to hear that!

[Imachocolateportal]

Hello Everyone,

Just to update. I saw the doctor as she was not sure about it. Said it didn't look overly sinister, but was not sure, so has referred me on to see a specialist dermatologist as she said I fulfill the referral requirements (although not really sure what these are). Said I will be seen within 2 weeks, which feels a bit quick as I am 99% sure it is fine, but I suppose at least I can get confirmation.

Thank you all for making me feel less silly about going, the doctor didn't make me stupid at all! Not really sure why I was so worried about going.

[APlaceInTheWinter]

The specialist may remove it. I had a freckle on my leg which changed shape. The GP referred me to the consultant saying they'd probably photograph and monitor it. However the consultant decided to just remove it that day. It was painless and quick. I'm just letting you know in case your specialist does the same. It also turned out it was non-malignant but I'm glad I went and glad that they were so thorough. Good luck and well done for going to the doctor.