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Original poster

Dr wants mole removed,so so worried.

73 replies

potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 15:58

Hi all,

I just need a hand hold or a bit of comfort really. 😞 I was referred under the 2ww for a few moles because a few of them are what they consider atypical. One in particular is a lot darker and looks different to my other moles (and is the one I was most worried about) Anyway I had my appointment today and the Dr said she wasn’t too worried and thinks it’s just a mole (trying to cling onto that) that has changed slightly but isn’t cancerous but she wants it removed. I have crippling health anxiety and it has sent me spiralling. The Dr tried her best to reassure me but I was so upset and panicky. Has anyone else had a dodgy mole removed? Looking for positive stories really.

Thank you xxx

OP posts:
Original poster
potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 18:41

I think you may be right. Once I’d calmed down she was brilliant and incredibly thorough,I’m so relieved it’s being taken off because I’d of only fretted about it for longer I think x

OP posts:
Original poster
potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 18:43

I’m so sorry you’re going through this too. You sound incredibly brave and self assured,hopefully things come back okay for you xx

OP posts:
MILLYmo0se · 21/03/2023 18:45

I had 3 removed in Jan that had changed size colour, my GP and specialist were both sure that one was a basal cell carcinomas and probably all all 3. They were tested and they are all just moles, nothing to worry about

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 21/03/2023 18:45

The one where you're bra sirs - are you sure it's not a third nipple? They are very commoni had a mole that I noticed change slightly and since having a baby it's turned into a tiny nipple!

Original poster
potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 19:14

I’m not sure really, it’s like under my arm where the bra sits (at the side) It’s just such a peculiar place x

OP posts:
Original poster
potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 19:17

Wow all 3? So pleased that they all came back fine for you. It is reassuring to know that all of the stories on this post all ended in a (mostly) positive result xx

OP posts:
Jodie569 · 21/03/2023 20:14

potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 15:58

Hi all,

I just need a hand hold or a bit of comfort really. 😞 I was referred under the 2ww for a few moles because a few of them are what they consider atypical. One in particular is a lot darker and looks different to my other moles (and is the one I was most worried about) Anyway I had my appointment today and the Dr said she wasn’t too worried and thinks it’s just a mole (trying to cling onto that) that has changed slightly but isn’t cancerous but she wants it removed. I have crippling health anxiety and it has sent me spiralling. The Dr tried her best to reassure me but I was so upset and panicky. Has anyone else had a dodgy mole removed? Looking for positive stories really.

Thank you xxx

I'm booked for a mole map next month. I have loads all over, I've never been on a sunbed or in the sun I'm going to do this every year now. I'm quite worried but hopefully all is okay. I use to have really bad HA years ago I know it's an awful feeling but If I'm worried I get things checked now, I'm very lucky I have a fantastic doctor. You will be fine, if they thought it was urgent you would have it removed on the day.

Jodie569 · 21/03/2023 20:16

potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 15:58

Hi all,

I just need a hand hold or a bit of comfort really. 😞 I was referred under the 2ww for a few moles because a few of them are what they consider atypical. One in particular is a lot darker and looks different to my other moles (and is the one I was most worried about) Anyway I had my appointment today and the Dr said she wasn’t too worried and thinks it’s just a mole (trying to cling onto that) that has changed slightly but isn’t cancerous but she wants it removed. I have crippling health anxiety and it has sent me spiralling. The Dr tried her best to reassure me but I was so upset and panicky. Has anyone else had a dodgy mole removed? Looking for positive stories really.

Thank you xxx

Forgot to say I had loads of new ones that have come up from when I was pregnant, they usually appear And can grow bigger in pregnancy.

purplecorkheart · 21/03/2023 20:17

Hi, I have had a few moles removed including on that got darker and uneven edges quite quickly. I was referred as an urgent case by GP (I am in Ireland rather than UK). The consultant removed it and slightly wider than normal but it was totally clear.

toastfiend · 21/03/2023 20:28

I've had one removed. It was on my leg, appeared very suddenly, and looked very different (darker and coarser) than any of my others. The dermatologist was reassuring about it but wanted it removed anyway. When the biopsy results came back it was all absolutely fine. I think they can get a pretty good idea from looking at them under a microscope. Obviously removing them is belt and braces and still needs to be done if there's any question, but my dermatologist told me he would be very surprised if it came back as anything serious and it didn't. I don't think your GP would have been that reassuring if they'd been very concerned. I do understand how you feel, though, as I too suffer with health anxiety.

Original poster
potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 20:33

So sorry you too suffered from H/A,it really is truly dreadful I wouldn’t wish in on anyone. Mole mapping is an excellent idea,I’m thinking of doing that too once I’m over this hurdle. Have you booked for that privately or is it offered in the NHS?x

OP posts:
DeerWatch · 21/03/2023 20:35

I have had a few removed, two have 4cm scars from and one had a sort of halo shadow around it. They were all fine.

Original poster
potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 20:36

Sounds very similar to mine,it’s under my arm so not a place I ever really look to be honest. It just looks different to my others. The consultant at the hospital did have a good look at it and was trying to be very reassuring but I was just too far into a spiral at that point. Although I am grateful it’s being removed because I would of only worried more. I’m also so pleased yours came back benign,what a relief for you x

OP posts:
Jodie569 · 21/03/2023 21:44

potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 20:33

So sorry you too suffered from H/A,it really is truly dreadful I wouldn’t wish in on anyone. Mole mapping is an excellent idea,I’m thinking of doing that too once I’m over this hurdle. Have you booked for that privately or is it offered in the NHS?x

I always say the same it's awful. I'm so glad I'm not as bad now even though I am having some real health problems now. I am paying private, it's £180 but I've decided I'm going to have it done every year, I have an amazing doctor but i think because I have so many freckles/moles Id rather just pay for a peace of mine. I have a tick list for my anxiety now, so when it's bad I just save and pay private or go to my doctor.

MILLYmo0se · 21/03/2023 22:14

potteringaround2 · 21/03/2023 19:17

Wow all 3? So pleased that they all came back fine for you. It is reassuring to know that all of the stories on this post all ended in a (mostly) positive result xx

Yes all 3, was very surprised and relived. I was fairly sure myself the first one was a concern, the other 2 less so but i cant actually see them as they wrre just under my jawline so wasnt sure how much they grown or colour had changed. My gp was concerned and 2nd one even more so when my referal got lost, sent photos to specialist asking for urgent appointment and they took me in that week. Specialist immediately said that one had to come out for testing, looked like a v classic bcc, the other 2 he wasnt as concerned about but wanted to take at the same time. So try not to worry, easier said than done i know, but even if it were something like a bcc they are generally just removed and thats it

Eyesopenwideawake · 21/03/2023 22:19

I had a "bite" on my ear lobe that wouldn't heal for about a year, kept drying up and then bleeding/weeping again. Finally got round to having in check and it was a small BCC. Quick (20 min!) op, bit of blood on my t-shirt and all done. Please be assured that if it's either benign or not it will be dealt with with absolutely no ongoing effect on your health.

Triffid1 · 21/03/2023 22:21

I have had a number removed. One, about 12 years ago, was found to be "changing" but still fine. Most recently, 2 were removed v promptly after I saw a dermatologist under the 2 week process. It was mid covid and terrifying as I felt that they had to be extra concerned to actually send me to a hospital during lockdown!!!

But all.clear.

They tend to be hugely cautious because the very best way to prevent any skin cancer is simply a quick removal before things get bad. I suspect all these removals have saved many people, and a lot of nhs resources. So try to see it as a positive - they are proactively helping you reduce your chance of skin cancer. Just like a pap smear proactively helps you reduce the liklihood of cervical cancer.

Clarabe1 · 21/03/2023 22:40

I have had two atypical moles removed. The second was was sent for a biopsy so I was absolutely terrified. They were both fine. I spent weeks worrying about nothing. Try not worry, easier said than done I know

Original poster
potteringaround2 · 22/03/2023 06:15

What a relief that they both came back benign. Thank you for sharing x

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Original poster
potteringaround2 · 22/03/2023 06:17

I have heard of that too,who knew that hormones could affect moles. The body is a bizarre thing sometimes x

OP posts:
Original poster
potteringaround2 · 22/03/2023 06:19

How scary that must have been for you,in the midst of a pandemic too. I think I’d have been a wreck. But I’m so glad everything came back okay for you. I can only imagine for relief. Thank you so much for sharing,it’s very reassuring. X

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poetryandwine · 22/03/2023 14:40

I know it is difficult but please try not to worry, OP. There is a category of moles showing hyperplasia that should be removed even if they are not (yet) melanomas.

I learnt about this when I booked a private mole check after a misspent youth burning my fair skin, and the derm removed one. I wondered whether this had been necessary. My no-nonsense GP, who got a copy of the pathology report, agreed with her. I later looked it up and the American Academy of Dermatology says moles like mine need to be removed or inspected every year. So I am glad it was done. The derm wouldn’t tell me ahead of time that it wasn’t melanoma, but she clearly didn’t think it was.

Original poster
potteringaround2 · 22/03/2023 18:36

Thank you so much for your response. I have a few atypical ones which only makes me more anxious I think once I know the outcome of this one,I will having yearly checks moving forward x

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Original poster
potteringaround2 · 02/04/2023 07:49

Just a little update,

So I have my removal appointment (punch biopsy I think) for the 19th April,will let you know how I get on and what the result is when I know xx

OP posts:
Glitteratitar · 02/04/2023 08:49

Good luck!! Hope the procedure goes well and the results are reassuring.