Shitting myself about melanoma (pics)

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Last year I went to visit a family member who I’d not seen for a while. She asked me what the mark was in my face. I said it was a mole and that I’d always had it. She said “no you haven’t”. I was pretty sure I had.

It was a flat mole and caused no itching or anything. I wasn’t concerned as I assumed I’d always had it.

Last week it started itching and has become slightly raised/dry feeling. I put it down to the sun (30 degrees here). But I got worried and started looking at old photos. 7 years ago it wasn’t there at all. 5 years ago it was a small flat mole. Now it’s this. I’m going to try and make appointment with GP in morning but if they try and prevent me from doing so (Covid and all) can I insist? I’ve had this now slowly growing for over 5 years. I’ve pretty much convinced myself I’m going to die of skin cancer. (But I do have anxiety also).

Disclaimer - I’m no medical expert but.... if it was melonoma, I would imagine that in 5 years without it being removed, you wouldn’t be here to tell the tale.

That makes me think it’s not melonoma.

I’m my albeit limited knowledge, melonoma is the worst type as it spreads fast and that’s why it’s the one we hear about the most.

There are other less severe skin cancers.

Get them phones tomorrow and explain your situation.

A couple of weeks ago my hubby was concerned because a long standing mole was itching a little. He rang GP surgery and they got him to takes photos (with a coin alongside for size gauge), he sent this to a mole check clinic through a link they sent. It also tuned out to be a sebborheic keratosis, I think he had just caught it with his fingernail which caused the t

Hopefully it’s itching because you’re thinking about it. My mum had a breast scan that needed further investigation - she spent the days up to the appointment convinced she could feel a lump in on breast and having pain in one side - then it turned out a) it was the other breast they needed to look at more closely and b) everything was fine, no lumps or cysts or anything, just a problem with the mammogram. Definitely wise to have it seen by your GP, either in person or over videocall, but please try not to worry too much and step away from Dr Google!

There are skin cancer groups on facebook -with many photos etc - might be helpful. I had a basal cell 10 years ago and thought I had another recently but after a biopsy it turn out wasn't cancer. The NHS are fast with melanoma. Go to Out Patients if you can't see GP. GP will refer to an NHS dermatologist.

Just to prepare you for the GP appointment, it’s very likely you will be given a fast track, two week wait dermatology appointment on the suspected cancer pathway.

This does NOT mean that the GP thinks it’s definitely or even probably cancer - just that they think it’s better if a dermatologist who specialises in this makes the final call.

Google and Facebook pages are not helpful - just go and see your GP. It’s much more likely that it’s nothing. Get it checked for your own piece of mind and always remember that google only has worse-case scenarios.

GO TO YOUR GP.

We haven't a clue here and no one does unless they see you and analyse it.

Best of luck.

Please don’t worry, the doctor will see you & hopefully put you mind at rest. I had a mole removed which turned out to be a malignant melanoma - it was removed completely & I was under a consultant for, initially, 5 years. I can not fault the care & speed of treatment received from the NHS. I actually ended up under the hospital for about 10 years (discharged last year) as each time a suspicious mole was removed my 5 years “reset”.
Despite some pre cancerous cells around one mole nothing else untoward was found & I am fine. I have the reassurance from my doctor & consultant that anything else suspicious will get me referred within 14 days. Take care x

I had a mole on my face that I've always had, never noticed a change but we have a history of melanoma in my family so when my mum thought it had changed she urged me to see a doctor. Turns out it was stage 2 malignant melanoma and 18 months on I'm cancer free but it could have been very different. Please get it checked they would much rather see you and it be nothing than the alternative

Can I just add, please don't be worried, and I'm saying that from someone who suffers from anxiety. Just get seen for peace of mind, they can remove it and chances are you'll be absolutely fine

Try not to worry, but do get it checked just to be sure.
I've had so many suspect moles, i'm covered in them as is my DM.
The last one that was cut out in Nov turned out to be benign, yet had grown fast and was irregular.
Even if they umm and ahh and are unsure, they always act speedily if theres any doubt, so it still doesn't necessarily mean its a baddy..

Your GP will want to see a changing mole. The vast majority are nothing to worry about though.

Try and get a consultation tomorrow.

Hi OP,

Please don't google your symptoms. You are doing the right thing seeking GP advice. Have a photo ready to email to the surgery. It's likely they will ask.

I have had a mark on my cheek. My husband was worried about it due to skin cancer family history.

I went had it looked at and it's just age.

Don't panic, get some advice.