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Original poster

Would you be worried about this mole?

17 replies

Lbee123 · 07/09/2015 20:28

Pics below. I don't think it has changed recently in terms of size and shape although I never monitered it closely enough to be certain. Over the last few days it has gone very sensitive, almost painful but that could be due to my bra rubbing.

I'm apprehensive about going to the gp in case they just fob me off with 'your body changes a lot due to hormones when you're pregnant so just keep an eye on it'. Debated a private check but it's a lot of money for a normal mole so was hoping for some advice before I book an app (private or gp).

Thanks x

OP posts:

GudrunBrangwen · 07/09/2015 20:31

I wouldn't be, I'm not qualified to say that but it doesn't look abnormal and you say it hasn't changed - if your bra rubs it that could easily be the cause of the issue.

I would photograph it, and compare it in a few months. Pregnancy can cause moles to change a little. Obviously you can always ask for a referral to dermatology - even a derm doesn't always know from looking. Or try the mole clinics in shops?

Monkeyinshoes · 07/09/2015 21:05

I've got one that looks a bit like that. I've had it checked out twice...in total 2 GP's and 3 dermatologists have had a look and said it's fine. The first time I had it looked at, I didn't know if it'd changed or not (it's on the back of my neck, I have to angle mirrors to see it!) I just knew it looked weird (it's not round, has areas raised more than others, varying colour). GP reckoned it was fine but referred me to dermatology just in case. Two dermatologists looked, said it was an atypical mole but ok.

The second time I had it checked was after I'd had DS2 as it'd changed during the pregnancy. The GP didn't fob me off and referred me to a dermatologist.

When I saw the dermatologist, I specifically didn't mention the recent pregnancy to him fearing being fobbed off. He said it was fine. It was only when he had another look though my notes and saw maternity ones that he linked the two.

Pregnancy does stimulate production of melanin and this can change moles also so it is likely to just be that. Though I always think there's no point sitting round worrying...go get it looked at if it worries you.

ConfusedInBath · 08/09/2015 18:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Lbee123 · 08/09/2015 21:11

Thanks all... Pregnancy hormones and Google are not a good mix ha!

I wouldn't say it has changed significantly or in a short space of time that I've noticed... Maybe grown slightly larger over the space of a few years.

The only change recently has been the sensitivity but not sure if that's just due to it being irritated by my bra now

OP posts:

Chewbecca · 08/09/2015 21:12

I've found GPs to be very supportive of taking a look at my (many) moles so I would say go anyway to put your mind at rest. I've never been made to feel like a time waster, even though mine have always turned out to be fine.

ImperialBlether · 08/09/2015 21:13

Sorry, but "wait a few months" is the worst advice! Go to the doctor - it will take him/her one minute to recognise whether it's no problem or a problem.

Alibabsandthe40Musketeers · 08/09/2015 21:18

How big is it?

If it has always had that shape, larger in one direction than another, has always been two tone and remains so, and doesn't grow then it is unlikely to be a problem.

The sensitivity is very likely the bra, but if it is worrying you then go and get it looked at :)

travertine · 08/09/2015 21:20

I am part of a very moley family, we have all had some removed (two myself) the GPs have always been supportive, nothing wrong with getting it checked out.

ConfusedInBath · 09/09/2015 06:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GudrunBrangwen · 09/09/2015 19:11

Go to the doctor - it will take him/her one minute to recognise whether it's no problem or a problem. Not true. Even a derm can't tell properly without either a special scope or an excision.

My advice to wait a few months was tempered with a suggestion that the OP can ask for a referral whenever she likes and can also make use of a commercial service offered in I believe some Superdrug stores, or elsewhere, that involve a dermoscope being used. Not many GPs have a dermoscope or the necessary qualifications to state whether a mole needs treating or not.

And the OP had expressed reluctance to see a GP at all.

GudrunBrangwen · 09/09/2015 19:18

I should say specialist knowledge rather than qualifications. GPs have to know a bit about everything, but not a lot of them specialise in dermatology and you will be referred in any case if they think it requires it - and sometimes even when they don't.

No one can diagnose using a picture. I don't think it looks terribly worrying, but then as I said, I'm not qualified to state that, and so the OP needs to decide for herself whether she wants to have it looked at properly.

I would not advise waiting if it had displayed visible changes recently. But a GP may well advise a watch and wait protocol, with photographs - even dermatology can advise this.

I would never wish to dissuade anyone from seeking prompt treatment for something that could be dangerous. I was simply trying to put forward some alternative suggestions to a reluctant patient.

Sallystyle · 09/09/2015 21:43

Not an expert at all but the size looks normal, the edges look good.

Is it bumpy in the middle? That can definitely happen in pregnancy or maybe irritation from the bra.

That said, go get it checked out. It takes seconds for them to look at it and to tell if it needs investigating or not.

When it comes to moles you don't mess around wondering if you should get it checked or not, you just go, because if it is cancerous then time is obviously extremely important.

If it hasn't changed the GP might tell you to monitor it for a few weeks. They did with one of mine.

pinkfrocks · 09/09/2015 23:03

It needs looking at.

It's not symetrical ( that's a risk factor)
It's got more than 1 colour ( looks darker in centre)- another risk factor
It's itchy- another risk factor.

On the plus side, it's small.

I went and had a mole checked much less dangerous looking than yours, simply because it was itching and was slightly more raised.

Misnomer · 09/09/2015 23:12

I looks normal to me but if it's uncomfortable I think it is worth getting it checked out. There are a set of criteria for if they are going to refer you to a dermatologist or not - I think it's a NICE guideline but it might just be on the nhs websites. If you score over a certain amont they will definitely refer but they may just do anyway. The NICE guidelines state that you must be seen within two weeks so you wouldn't be kept on tenterhooks for too long.

whiteagle · 09/09/2015 23:17

I went to the dr last week about a few moles. He wasn't concerned and told me to take a photo of any i was concerned about with something like a 5p. He advised that if something was dodgy changes would be apparent within a 4 week period so to rephoto then and compare.

Capewrath · 09/09/2015 23:25

If worried, go. They prefer you to do that.

Remember the ABCDE

Asymmetry
Borders ( bumpy)
Colour ( varied)
Diameter, sometimes expressed as size greater than rubber on pencil
Evolving, eg any of the above, itchiness etc.

I've had to have some removed.

Mrsworried1 · 09/03/2024 11:09

@Lbee123 I know this is really old but did you get to the bottom of this? Thanks x

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