To ask you about melanoma app

[Anewusername1]

Hi all,

Kind of freaking out right now. My dad downloaded this app that can ‘detect’ melanoma.

All of the pictures apart from two came back not melanoma but the other two were 100% melanoma.

Obviously I’m really worried and he is booking a drs appointment for tomorrow. Can someone calm me down and say it’s a pile of shit? Or has anyone had any experience of these types of apps?

TIA x

If an app could detect melanoma, why do drs waste money on biopsies?

You can see by eye if there's lesions or unsual looking moles. Then you go to the drs and they decide appropriate action. You don't need a pile of wank app

Thank you for your reply.

I know what you’re saying. And I do take some comfort in it. I’ve told him it’s stupid but if does make you worry I guess x

I think it's more of a case of, the app flags that it might be melanoma, then the person visits dr and gets properly diagnosed. Hopefully, earlier than they would've normally done.

Thank you.

I’ve heard that apparently they are developing apps to help with medical care etc but it’s a picture.

Hopefully it’s benign and just a case of getting checked x

Surely the app is just giving you a 'high, medium, or low' indication of melanoma.

I'm not sure why you're freaking out - why use the app in the first place! Surely it's a good thing it's been spotted.

Just go to the Drs and get it checked.

I used an app to monitor my moles, of which i had a few. After around a year, the app recommended I see my GP about one of the moles. I went, and told the GP about the app. She referred me to a dermatologist with a 2 week appointment. The dermatologist suspected it was a melanoma. I had it removed within a month. It turned out to be a rodent ulcer, which is a non malignant melanoma.

So, in my experience, the app was right. It doesn't give a diagnosis, just recommends when to see your GP.

@HollyBollyBooBoo I didn’t download it, my dad did because he has a few moles / skin discolouration etc and I guess sometimes curiosity gets the better of you.

Like I said, I’ve told him to make an appointment which he is doing.

@Soontobe60 thank you for your reply. I’m pleased it turned out ok x