Does this look like melanoma?

[Ley847]

I’m so worried. This freckle on my leg used to be perfectly round. Had it my whole life. I stupidly used sunbeds for about 5 years.

I got referred to the hospital 6 weeks ago and the dermatologist said it will be removed. 6 weeks later I am still waiting called the hospital and she said due to a big back log it could be even longer until it gets removed.

Im so worried as this doesn’t look right but privately it costs around £1500. I really don’t know what to do.

just to add am also 4 months pregnant.

has anyone else ever had a freckle like this? It’s 2 different shades of colour now and a strange shape

thanks

Here is the photo

What did the dermatologist say it is? They are the experts

@DasGirl He didn’t. He said he will get it removed and tested but I have been waiting 6 weeks and very worried about it. It’s usually a 2 week wait but due to a Covid backlog it’s much longer

I had something paid for a private consultation £400

Yes I have! Just like that.
I had it removed and it was fine.

@Ley847
I had a suspicious mole (didn't look like that, much darker) and GP sent me to dermatology.

They removed it there and then and sent for biopsy which came back clear.

Sounds like they are treating it as routine rather than urgent which is likely good news

Firstly - no one can tell by looking. It has to be tested. But teh facts are that the vast majority fo suspicious moles turn out not to be cancerous. I have had one removed and it was benign.

I really hope you get called soon, I understand it is so worrying waiting.

I had one very similar to that. Like an area of melasma had spread over the top of my mole. The GP said it was benign but asked if I'd like it removed anyway. I did. The consultant also said it was benign but removed it. Everything removed always seems to go for testing and yes it was benign.
I've just had my mum to the hospital where they take deep tissue photos and that seems a good way forward. Her referral was quick and again hers was benign and the results came back quickly. If you're in quite a backlog, I'd think that was a fairly good sign. I'm sure anything they think is suspicious, you'd get shunted to the front of the queue. But definitely keep on with it because unless experienced, I doubt anyone on here could accurately tell you what it is.

I’ve had a few removed like that removed that have and haven’t been melanoma. Keep chasing the appointment.

I had a suspected melanoma around the same time as you. It was slightly different to yours, a bit bigger and more discolouration. I first went to the gp on 21st June. Referred to hospital under 2 week suspected cancer fast track. Met with the consultant almost immediately (all nhs) and removed a few weeks later. Last week I got my results back and referred to a McMillan specialist - stage 1 melanoma. If they strongly suspect that what it is they'll move very quickly. It only takes 6 weeks for a melanoma to become dangerous.

personal non-medical opinion? no it doesn't, which is probably why it's not being rushed through. What did the dermatologist say though?

I had a couple of moles removed last year at the Spire. They turned out to be 'dodgy' but not cancer. One was darker than yours and the other didn't look bad to me atall, but under the consultants light he didn't like the look of it.
Also, I waited about 6 weeks to have them removed because, even privately, some consultants are really busy at the moment. He assured me he didn't think they had turned cancerous and he was right.
Try not to worry, but if you are, it's worth maybe getting some quotes from private hospitals. You won't be paying £1500. I think I paid about £700 for the 2 together and that included the lab fee.