Nodular Melanoma? Any doctors around??

[Waltzered]

I have this thing on my hand. It's grown in a few months to about 4/5mm. My GP doesn't know what it is but said it isn't anything sinister. I've googled and decided it's nodular melanoma. (Name changed because I'm embarrassed how melodramatic I'm being). Anyway, please tell me it's just a wart or something. Photo attached.

[PurpleDaisies]

What makes you think it’s a nodular melanoma? It doesn’t look sinister to me but it’s irresponsible to diagnose anything without a history and just relying on a photo from the internet.

Does it do anything like bleed or tingle?

[Waltzered]

No bleeding or tingling or oozing or anything. It's just there and very slowly getting bigger. I think just worried it's appeared and got bigger over the last few months and the fact that it's raised from the skin. GP saying he didn't know what it was sent me into panic as well. If he doesn't know surely he should find out? Urgh I don't know.

[Waltzered]

I'm just a huge worry wart and google doesn't help.

[JohnHunter]

Take a good photograph and look again in a couple of weeks. It will probably be gone or getting smaller but - if that isn't the case - you'll then be in a strong position to show how it is changing.

As you probably know, the overwhelming majority of melanomas are pigmented. The non-pigmented ones are often misdiagnosed but that doesn't look typical for an non-pigmented melanoma either.

The reality is that it's impossible to know with 100% certainty whether or not a skin abnormality is a melanoma without chopping it out and sending it off to the lab. That doesn't look like a melanoma to your GP and it doesn't make sense to send every skin abnormality that can't immediately be named.

Is it the only one you've seen? It looks like a blister and there are a number of different blistering illnesses. Do any skin problems run in your family?

Relax for now but keep an eye on it.

[Waltzered]

JohnHunter I have been keeping an eye on it and what sparked my latest anxiety was comparing it to this photo taken in September. I have shown/ told my GP but they just say it's not sinister. I do get the point about not biopsying everything. I just don't understand why it would grow if it's not something bad.

[Waltzered]

And I'm pleased it doesn't look typical of a non pigmented melanoma, which is my concern. But then I think well it could be an atypical non pigmented melanoma and drive myself bonkers going round in circles. At the same time I don't want to pester my GP again if I'm going to get the same answer (or lack of). I've actually just posted the image to an online doctor thingy. Probably a sign I'm going crazy. I know they won't be able to tell me anything and I will have just wasted ££.

[BreadAndChipsPlease]

I've got one like that. Intradermal naevus?

[Waltzered]

Thanks bread it does look a bit like that. I guess the main thing I'm worried about is the growth. But I really need to get a grip and calm the fuck down.

[JohnHunter]

You could try the Boots Mole Check Service, which I don't have any experience with but that has been mentioned here before. Alternatively, maybe go back and see another GP for a second opinion? You won't be the first patient to have pitched up because you are still worried about something. Most practices will have a GP who has a particular interest in skin abnormalities - you could try asking for that person when you call to make the appointment.

Lots of benign skin lesions can change over time. "Change" is a feature of cancer but it's not only cancerous lesions that change...

[Waltzered]

Thank JohnHunter and I'm glad I'm not the only one up stupidly early on a Sunday morning.

And I know you aren't a doctor/ can't diagnose over the internet etc but it doesn't look worrying? I will get a second opinion but hopefully that it's so small would mean even if it was bad it wouldn't kill me?

[Waltzered]

Also, the online doctor thought it was a plantar wart or a Seborrheic keratoses. I will see if I can get to GP on Tuesday, might look into Boots thing but I assume they would refer me back to GP anyway.

[Waltzered]

Would an online dermatologist be able to diagnose through a photo? He seemed convinced it was not melanoma.

[underneaththeash]

It looks normal to me, its very small and regular in shape. Its looks about the same size in both pictures to me, if you compare it to the size of the pores in your skin.

[Waltzered]

Thanks underneath I think it's the same size just more raised if that makes sense? I'm mostly scared by how scared I am. Things like this don't normally bother me.

[Rf13]

Hello,
I know this was ages ago but I wondered what your outcome was? Or if anyone else has similar?
My 16 year old has had this on his forearm for a few months and I’m a bit worried. I’m going to the GP tomorrow
Thanks in advance