What is the difference between a large freckle and a mole please?

[fabwoman]

I have one on the side of my face with attractive hairs growing out of it. Having plucked the offensive hairs away I notice it is bigger and also grown a little outwards.

A freckle is flat (I think). You're better off going to see your GP and asking about having it removed. You should always get moles checked, especially if they start to change in some way.

I plan to phone to see the nurse tomorrow. I expect I will have to wait a while to see if it changes again. It seems you often get told to wait and see at the surgery.

Hmm. A mole like this needs looking at. I don't mean to frighten you but changes can indicate a melanoma (skin cancer), I'm not saying this is what it is, so you need a referral to get it checked. Wait and see isn't the best plan here. I'd be very insistant about this.

I am aware that changes need checking but I am not sure if it is a freckle or a mole. I will ring first thing. Getting an appointment is nigh on impossible though unless you book in advance and that can be 3-4 weeks away.

www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/m/article/moles This is helpful.

I will take a look, thank you.

I am not sure which type mine is from that list but I will see someone asap.

www.mayoclinic.com/health/melanoma/DS00575 Pictures. I have a horrible looking at the top of my thigh. I've been keeping an eye on it for years. I need to get it removed but it's in a very awkward place.

I will go if you will .

I think and I might be wrong that the hairy moles are not as likely to be dodgy. Could be wrong on that.

Also sometimes a normal one grows, that pale brown sort, and it gets in the way but isn't dangerous. If you start seeing different colours and textures in it, that's a different matter.

But I wouldn't panic if it's just one of the hairy sort that gets bigger with age.

I'll go, I need a blood test anyway. I've been before and was given a referral to a dermatologist. They were going to send me an appointment to have it removed and I didn't receive it. I was slightly embarassed to be honest, all he said was 'your GP didn't tell me it was THERE!'

He sounds like he's in the wrong job They have to inspect every inch of most of their patients, every few months...they ought really to be used to seeing awkward places.

Hope you get someone sensitive next time.

I need to go and get it sorted, it gets in the way of waxing. I was hoping that the GP could remove it.

Get yours sorted as well fab.