Probable melanoma

[Starlilly88]

I got the news today that an existing mole is probably a melanoma. I had it scanned last week, not had a biopsy yet, and going back to see a consultant on Friday. Obviously I'm freaking out and just want to know what it is, instead of stressing until Friday.

I just need a few good stories instead of all the bad statistics I'm reading! And I'm going on holiday on Sunday which is really bad timing and I don't know how I'm not going to worry and ruin my holiday

I can give you a good story: my best friend's brother watched a TV prog on melanoma many years ago and realised one of his marks/moles fitted the signs - had it checked - it was positive.

He had it removed and follow-up treatment and he's been fine ever since. Has a very physical lifestyle and looks fit as a fiddle - 25 years later. I don't think he even has to have check-ups now.

Try to keep your mind on that - and with a bit of luck it may prove not even to be melanoma - either way I wish you all the best at the appointment and hope you can go on your holiday either with complete relief, or with a positive forward plan.

I had one removed ten years ago
Had regular check ups until quite recently
I’m careful (++) with the sun for me and the kids but that’s no bad thing

I understand recent advances in immunological therapy have made a huge difference to treatment

Don’t assume the worst. Good luck.

Thanks both of you. I'm trying to stay positive but can't think of anything else right now. I've had the mole since I was a child but it went darker suddenly which made me check it out. Most likely is melanoma, another smaller possibility of it being a severely atypical mole. I'm hoping they remove the damn thing ASAP but as I'm going on holiday they might not. And also got to let travel insurer know which could get expensive!

My mum - first one in her mid 40s. Caught, removed then regular check ups for 5 years.

She has just had another reoccurrence at 72. Same thing again. Both early stages even though the second one had looked a bit dodgy for months and she put off getting it checked the dimbo

The vast majority of melanomas are the slow growing kind that are simply removed and no further issues. Sometimes it may be more invasive and require further treatment and deeper removal. But melanomas are very treatable.

Stay bout of the sun while on your holiday and try not to let it affect your fun. No matter what, you are doing the right thing having it checked as you could have just left it...

I'm hoping I've caught it early by being totally paranoid and getting it checked quick. My DD had leukaemia so I'm slightly anxious!

Did you get it done OP? Hope the histology was reassuring.