Melanoma scare

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hello,

I'm a 21 year old female and noticed a small mole had appeared from no where on my left breast about 2 years ago and I just thought it was normal as I'm aware new mole grow. It then grew so I went to the doctor and he measured it at 8x5mm and told me to come back and we'll measure it again. I went back yesterday- 7 months after the previous appointment and it had grown another 4mm and is now 8x9mm and I was referred to a dermatologist... the wait is three months long so I've decided to see a private dermatologist today as I don't think I can spend three months worrying about it! I'm so concerned about it- my doctor used a dermoscope and says it doesn't have jagged edges or pigment and is a normal mole- it's just the rate it's grown- from nothing to a pin prick to slightly bigger than a pencil eraser in under 2 years. Could this be normal for a normal mole? I know moles do show up but do they show up as the size they're going to be or do they grow to the size the will be? I'm really anxious and I've basically convinced myself that I'm dying of melanoma... may sound dramatic but I'm so scared. If I do have it, I have had it for 2 years which has given it time to spread and metasize ?????????? Please give me some advice- I'm losing my mind!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    Even if the mole is assumed to be benign you may choose to have it removed, especially since it has been growing. Ask your private dermatologist about such options.

    If you have if removed make sure that a border of healthy skin is removed with the mole and insist on a biopsy as well.

    • Posted

      I just got home from the dermatologist and I am really conflicted in what I should do. She said that if she had looked at it without me telling her it had grown at such a fast rate then she would have said it was completely normal- but the fact it had grown so fast isn't common. She kept mentioning about the bad scar it'll give me because it's on my left breast and apparently scarring is bad there and that it would cost £450 if I chose to do it. Surely if something was wrong with it- she would insist id have it off but her constantly mentioning that it's growth rate isn't normal doesn't fill me with much confidence. I'm really unsure of what to do. My doctor measured it at 9x8mm yesterday and the dermatologist measured it at 10x5mm today so the measurements aren't even accurate... I just feel really confused and no better about the situation ??

    • Posted

      Without a biopsy it is difficult to tell even for a dermatologist. And as far as I know it is not safe to remove part of a mole.

      I would ask for a second opinion. Could you find a surgeon that specialises in cosmetic surgery? He might have more experience in mimimising scar tissue.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.