Suspicious mole.. beside myself

[cheesychips101]

Hi guys. I’ve had a mole in my armpit for as long as I can remember. It’s bothered me for the last 6 years as I suffer with huge health anxiety but with that I avoid getting things looked at because I’m petrified of the exact situation I’m in now. I had my doctor look at it with a hand held scan thing 4 years ago and he said it’s fine but lately it’s been on my mind again.. it’s kinda changed, there’s a white bit on the top I think it’s where I shave over it tho. So anyway, I spoke to my gp again he sent a pic, he said I don’t think it’s anything to worry about but I’ll refer you for peace of mind…. I was going OUT OF MY MIND for the 2 weeks leading up to yesterdays appointment but by the weekend I’d given myself a shake and decided it was fine, debated not going for the appointment.

But I went, and the healthcare assistant took a pic and then scanned it with the AI and let me see afterwards.

oh my god. On the up close scan photo it looks nothing like to the naked eye!!! It’s pink and brown and has little red swirls through it?!

anyway, once again I’ve convinced myself I’m going to die of cancer and not see my children grow up. I can hardly breathe and can’t function. Can anyone help me?

Sounds like a normal mole - it's just that you've never seen one magnified like that. You are not going to die of cancer from this, worst case is that you will have it removed and your armpit will be sore for a couple of weeks.

Have a look at this video about health anxiety;

You've had it checked. You'll soon get the results of the scan. I imagine most moles magnified look pretty grim. Even normal skin close up has strange swirls and bumps.

It would probably make sense to have it removed so it no longer bothers you.

Take a breath.

You sound terrified, but this is most likely all in your head. Any mole looks weird under a microscope, especially one that you keep shaving the top off.

I'd have a rethink about armpit hair removal to be honest, as repeatedly damaging moles sounds pretty foolish.

Apart from that, consider some help for your health anxiety?

Without meaning to be unkind, you need help with your anxiety OP. Your reaction is very OTT and impacting your life. Speak to your GP about this - maybe they can advise counselling?

Yes. Take steps to manage your health anxiety. Speak to your GP if necessary so they can signpost you to some help.

Thanks that video was really helpful and I’ve followed him x

I’ve done a check on the skin vision app and it says it looks low risk and check again in 3 months. Appreciate these things aren’t totally accurate but it’s the best app out there. It’s given me a little peace of mind.