Just had a rapid referral for a mole

[MummySparkle]

...and I'm really worried now.

I've had this mole for ages, but it's getting bigger, it's now pinky red and the edges are a bit blurry. I was talking with some friends about moles the other morning and they said I ought to get it looked at. I had a GP appointment booked for today anyway for my wrist and mentioned the mole. The doctor had a quick look and has done a rapidly 10 day referral for it.

I've been ignoring it for a while in the hopes it would go away, so now I'm worried that I should have got something done about it sooner. I have no idea what to expect from this referral. Does anyone have any experience? I think the GP said it would be removed within 10days, but I'm not really sure. I had the DCs with me and it was hard to concentrate. What happens now? Does anyone have any experience?

You’ve done the sensible thing and gone to the GP. It can be removed under local anaesthetic, and sent to the lab to get a diagnosis.
Most moles are harmless, but if there’s any suspicion that it might be a melanoma, it needs excised as soon as possible, which is why your GP has made an urgent referral.

I’ve had a mole removed on my leg as a precaution because of its size/colour. If your mole isn’t bleeding or weeping then he’s probably arranging for you to get it removed ASAP as a precaution before it can get any worse. They will probably do a biopsy on it to check the cells are ok. They usually go a bit wider and deeper than the actual mole to make sure they’ve got the whole thing. Then stich it up or cauterise it-if its a small area. I have friends in hot countries who’ve had lots of moles removed as a precaution, so try not too worry too much.

Thanks for the replies, that's really reassuring. Mole itself is about 1cm across, so I guess that relatively big compared to a tiny nose. I've had stitches before so I'm not worried about that side.

Will they take it out on the first appointment? Or will I have one and then book another one for removal?

Any mole that looks suspect is referred as urgent, normally seen within 2 weeks, it does not necessarily mean it’s a malignant melanoma but needs removal and testing to be sure. I had mine removed as a mole I had for ages was really black and had gone all wobbly. They cut it out under a local anaesthetic and some surrounding tissue and send it off for analysis. Mine came back as benign but was one that could have turned nasty, not necessarily would have turned nasty my doctor said. I was so worried so know how you feel, I was convinced I had mm. Easy to say try not to worry, but you have been proactive and are having it removed, more than likely it won’t be a nasty one.

I’ve just had stitches out after a mole removal. Mine was also 1cm across, had been there for years but had changed and got bigger. Different colours and an irregular shape to mine as well.

Results came back and it was benign. So can have weird looking, changing ones and they turn out to be ok. Try not to worry (I know, easier said than done) you’re doing the right thing.

Yes I had one done on the two week wait. I too had it excised under a local, all the suspect part and a margin of healthy tissue. Sent away to be tested but was benign. It's fairly standard procedure.

Hi Op. I've had 2 funny looking moles removed. First was a pre cancerous lesion that I had to go back and have a bit more taken out, second turned out to be totally benign (but actually looked worse than the 1st one!)
On both occasions I had the biopsy in clinic and given an appointment to come back 2 weeks later for results.
My DH has just had one removed, it was very odd looking and had started to change. It was dark pink with a halo around it and quite raised edges. His biopsy has thankfully just come back as a completely benign mole.
One dermatologist told me that the majority of people seen in the (very very busy) melanoma clinic will turn out to have nothing wrong after biopsy and only a very small number will come back as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. So basically changes in moles are actually very common but it's essential to get it checked out properly ASAP as you are doing so you have done the right thing.
Try not to worry too much, when you see the number of people in the clinic you will realise just how common funny looking skin lesions must be and remind yourself the majority of everyone there will not need further treatment.
Good luck

Similar happened to me last year.. was seen within the week at hospital.. in the room no more than 10 mins and was told all normal and discharged. They dont mess around anymore and anything reported as a change ( you know your body best) is referred on quickly. I had a phone call within 48 hours of my docs app to schedule app at hospital. Please try not to think the worse.

You should be fine. I’ve just had three removed from my back. They weren’t tiny either! The most trouble I’m having is moving around because of the amount of stitches. However, I feel better knowing they’re gone.

Thank you so much for all of your replies and reassurance. Good to hear lots of positive stories. I've been looking at all of my other moles and there's another 2 that could potentially be suspect too. I'm going to mention those at the appointment too. I guess its just wait and see, no point in worrying about something I can't do anything about. not that it's going to stop me fretting!!

I've had 2 removed on the 2WW, both ok.
First appointment was just for the dermo to look & decide which to remove.
Second was removal
Third was follow up with test results.
I did have a 4th & 5th as one required a larger excision and further follow up.

There's a v good chance it is fine but definitely best to quickly deal with it. Best of luck.