I have only just joined this forum and must say how informative it is!! I have a query that i hope somebody can clear up. I do not have skin cancer but i constantly worry about my moles etc as i have spent a lot of time in the sun when i was younger and probably still now (I'm 32).

Cancerous moles or lumps are they usually bigger than the size of a pencil eraser or can you get ones that are cancerous but are tiny? I do try and keep a close eye on all my moles but they are all pretty tiny, this feedback would be much appreciated.

Thank you

The things you really need to be looking for are if an existing mole changes: i.e., the color, size, shape change (like a brown one going black, a pink one going brown/a round one becoming irregular/a teeny one becomes large). If any of that happens, you should really have your doctor take a look.

Diameter (size) is only one thing to watch for. And yes, sometimes cancerous moles are smaller than a pencil eraser (mine was, and I am 35). Remember your ABCDEs (see Ladypepper's recent post), and use them as your guide. Also, seeing a dermatologist may help put your mind at ease and can't hurt. Finally, people can get cancer at any age, and melanoma is quickly becoming "the young person's cancer" because our generation has been so into tanning and tanning beds. So, keep being vigilant!

Question: I have a mole above my left eyebrow. Will surgically removing the move elimate the chance of getting skin cancer relating to that mole? I want to also remove it for cosmetic reason

Hi Aimees. How are you feeling? I have more up days than down so I guess it is progress. Still reading a lot (too much). What makes me feel better is to see my aunt who has her life back after the ordeal although she used to visit her derm up to 4 times per month at the beginning...Now she is cautious but very happy and she had a tiny local recurrence 4 years after her primary melanoma. Nothing serious they just removed it and nothing since. When are you going back to work? I am sure it helps as we feel normal again. Keep well and give me news.

Hi Aimees. How are you feeling? I have more up days than down so I guess it is progress. Still reading a lot (too much). What makes me feel better is to see my aunt who has her life back after the ordeal although she used to visit her derm up to 4 times per month at the beginning...Now she is cautious but very happy and she had a tiny local recurrence 4 years after her primary melanoma. Nothing serious they just removed it and nothing since. When are you going back to work? I am sure it helps as we feel normal again. Keep well and give me news.

Hi dear Camille! So good to hear from you! I am glad you are making progress, and so glad to hear about your aunt. Are you getting ready/excited for your vacation? Aren't you going to the mountains this month? I return to work unofficially next week, officially the week after. Yes, I think it will help emotionally, but be physically exhausting for a while. I still need so much rest! My Reiki treatments are helping and I am feeling better day-by-day. Much less depression! My Reiki practioner, who is also a friend, can tell that this surgery took much more out of me than I realize. Keep well, Camille!

Hi Aimees. Yes it will help. As I work for myself I did not get time off and It keeps my mind off it. I am going to the mountain on the 11 and cannot wait! The trip will only be 9 days as my 16 years old wants to go on a camp and is leaving on the 19. I think holidays with the parents is nice but with friends a lot better (mainly at that age...) but she is a great girl. Your surgery was more invasive so it will take a while longer to heal. Biut even so the lovely big scar in my back still hurts. I suppose they cut nerves. Reiki sounds good, what is it exactly? Anyway when prognosis is so good we have to try and put it behind (easier said than done) and live life to the fullest. keep in touch and take good care of yourself!

Hi dear Camille! So good to hear from you! I am glad you are making progress, and so glad to hear about your aunt. Are you getting ready/excited for your vacation? Aren't you going to the mountains this month? I return to work unofficially next week, officially the week after. Yes, I think it will help emotionally, but be physically exhausting for a while. I still need so much rest! My Reiki treatments are helping and I am feeling better day-by-day. Much less depression! My Reiki practioner, who is also a friend, can tell that this surgery took much more out of me than I realize. Keep well, Camille!

Cancerous moles or lumps are they usually bigger than the size of a pencil eraser or can you get ones that are cancerous but are tiny? I do try and keep a close eye on all my moles but they are all pretty tiny, this feedback would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Yes, moles that are smaller than a pencil eraser can be melanoma. The things to look for are the "abcd's" of mel. Change is what needs to be concerned about. Take note of your moles the best you can and check them occasionally to make sure they are not changing. You can search melanoma and you can get a LOT of info on what to watch for. :)

Take care. :cool:

If you're constantly worried about your moles, you might want to start getting screened regularly by a dermatologist. I just had it done today (and had a worrisome one excised), and it really put my mind at ease. (:

Like other posters have said, the main warning sign to look out for is a sudden change in a mole. If a mole suddenly changes color, shape, size, et cetera, go see a derm as soon as possible. Insist on an excisional or punch biopsy (my derm does this by default whenever there's a question of it being melanoma, but I don't know if all derms are like that).

Just be cautious and vigilant. ;) Good luck with everyhing.