Should I get a mole on scalp biopsied or wait?

[Redapplesyum]

I was taking photos of my head looking for grey hair and not a spot, that look like it was bleeding(but it wasn't). Various photos later revealed a mole. I haven't ever really inspected my scalp before so do not know if this is new or I have had it for a long time.

Quick dash to the skin clinic and £130 later, the doc said it is irregular and only presents with one of the five (ABCDE). The shape being irregular as if it is "bleeding". It is about 4mm.

He said I can take a wait and see approach or get it biopsied privately, which is just short of £500.

I haven't been able to get a GP appointment, and the wait for an "urgent" biopsy is 2 weeks.

I have a few moles on my body but none present with this "bleeding" edge. He says no one can tell by just looking at it.

So am not sure what to do.

[Prokupatuscrakedatus]

Why not have it removed, to be on he safe side?

My DS discovered a large and unusual looking mole on his scalp in March. We went to see a dermatologist, he gave us two options: observe or remove (they don't usually bother with biopsies unless there is a danger of scarring or disfigurement etc.). As neither he nor I wanted to deal with this kind of uncertainty, he opted for removal.
They routinely send removed moles, skin tags etc in for a check up, his was luckily still harmless.

[JellycatElfie]

I’m not sure why they’d biopsy it, as far as I know in the nhs at least they just remove them

[dottyp0104]

Get an appointment at GP and they will refer you onwards. That is something completely appropriate for GP and if it is considered at risk of malignant you will be seen urgently.

[moreismore]

I would go via nhs for the sake of 2 weeks

[Betternotbebadnews]

I have posted a pic.

[mytittifersungtheirsong]

I had something similar. Went to gp and got a quick apt to have it removed. It was malignant but thankfully caught in time. Please see your GP as soon as possible (can you get a phone apt and explain it to them). If the GP is concerned they will ensure you get seen quickly. Good luck but please don't leave it.

[Puppylucky]

I have a mole on my scalp but was told by a GP that removing it would leave a permanent bald patch. Admittedly this was Aus but it put me off seeking any further investigation Is what they said true?

[Betternotbebadnews]

mytittifersungtheirsong are you in the clear now? I've decided to bite the bullet and go private with an appt at 10 am tomorrow. I can't function with the uncertainty. Although they said that histology can take two weeks too

[Heartofit]

I’d definitely go via NHS for biopsy. The pathology will be similar timescales anyway so for sake of 10 days or so I’d go to the gp for the urgent referral.

[Loopytiles]

NHS referral.

[Betternotbebadnews]

Puppylucky I'd rather a bald patch vs uncertainty. I'll switch my parting to the other side.

I grew up in oz so am very aware of the dangers of skin cancer. The story of that girl who had skin cancer from sunbeds when I was growing up scared the he'll out of me.

[mytittifersungtheirsong]

I was lucky as it was stage 1 so they did two separate incisions and yes I'm fine now (touch wood). I echo above though. Go through NHS, you should be seen quickly if they're concerned. They were brilliant with me.

[Puppylucky]

Unfortunately mines on the top of my head so I'd be facing a life time of a bald pate. I may go back though to see if there are any other options

[mcmen71]

This is on my dd head what are your thoughts been their a month
Went to gp gave cream said she would send for a biopsy if not clear next week. I think it looks like a cut