Could this be skin cancer? Really scared!

[WarmBeaker]

I have a mole on the back of my leg, so it’s one I often forget I have.

i just felt an itch in that area, and I’ve had a look and there seems to be a lump under it. As well as that, it looks dry like dry skin on the top of the mole.

It’s obviously the weekend so not much I can do about it, but I’m working myself up with all the what ifs! I am on my own, with my kids, so no one IRL to talk to about this and I’m just feeling really scared and would appreciate a hand hold.

Here for the hand hold. Put Google down. Even if it is skin cancer here is a good chance they can remove it

Not much you can do. I got a same day appointment when I said I had a mole I was worried about, then an appointment at the hospital within two weeks.

Be prepared for them to look at every freckle and mole on your body, and then to go the the camera room, and have photos taken.

I wasn't really prepared for any of that, was on my period using reusable pads etc I know the staff don't care but had I known I'd be striping off completely rather than just lifting my skirt up to look at the issue just above my knee I'd have worn better underwear and a tampon instead. Standing in the cavernous camera room with my sandals, face mask and mismatched underwear on still makes me inwardly cringe.

The dermatologist put the fear of god in me about everything going outside with no suncream again and that I was high risk and must never have uncovered skin. Admittedly she obviously practised what she said and was very pale herself.

I had to go back 6 weeks later where I saw an older Dr who said I was fine, to be sensible with sunscreen when in sun and not to worry too much and was discharged.

No idea whether it is or not, but I have had lots of small squamish something or others and I just get them whipped off. Happens about once a year due to sun damage 40 years ago.

if you get them taken off quickly it’s really no big deal. I’m on first name terms with my dermatology surgeon (private, but not expensive)

Please don't panic.

Many skin lesions are precancerous and very easily treated, either by a very specific cream or via a quick (and usually small) excision.

I had the first one taken off me 7 years ago, and here I still am.... Two others taken off since, various ones treated using the cream (Efudix) and no other treatment needed for any of them.

ETA, and I now use Factor 50 every day. Even today....

As someone who has stage 4 melanoma, that's not how mine presented if that helps? Mine had spread to my lymph nodes at diagnosis and there was no lump underneath the mole. Feel free to message me if you want

Speak to your doctor though

This is the mole.

We can't really tell one way or another. Could be as simple as you scratching the skin resulting in nothing but a bit of a capillary reaction. Hence the swelling. I would probably try and make an appointment with SKIN mole clinic. From experience, they see me faster than GP+dermatologist combo and I get my report 48h after an appointment. They can then pass on your care to the NHS if you'd rather not pay for treatment.

Thanks everyone.

I’m prone to dry skin anyway. I’m wondering if i should just apply some moisturiser and see if the rough surface goes away? Will obviously see the doctor too.

I had one on my back, which looked and sounded similar. I saw the doctor, was referred to hospital, and had it removed as a precaution.

It was a dysplastic naevus (sp) so totally nothing of concern, but they said it’s always good to have them checked and removed.

I’m a red head with freckles, in my 50s, who sunburnt incessantly as a child, so am probably over cautious!

I’m a freckly red head too @ScoobyDoesnt, so I can relate! Also to the regular sun burning!

im more worried because I don’t know how long it’s been like that, because I always forget about that one. 😢

IF it's something it could also be a basal cell carcinoma which can be easily removed and doesn't spread outside it's 'spot'

So make the appointment and don't panic!

Make a GP appointment. Our surgery has a GP who specialises in skin/dermatology and he will always see you same day if he can (I have lots of moles).

I have two growths getting removed next month through him - not cancerous but they keep catching on things and bleeding. The service has been great.

I will call the GP on Monday. I’m struggling with my health in other ways at the moment too. A cough and some type of virus I’m struggling to fight off. Anaemia. And now a flare up of chronic urticaria (hives & swelling that my body just decides to throw into the mix whenever I’m run down)!

Make a GP appointment when you can and let them check it out and refer you to Dermatology if necessary. In my job I see a lot of two-week wait referrals to Derm for suspected melanoma. They have the lesion excised, and from the photos you would think definitely melanoma... but then it turns out to be harmless! Not saying that's the case here but try not to worry too much