Worried about mole - Cancer: Skin Message Board

Kellylou · 02-02-2004, 09:16 AM

Hi
I am quite worried about a mole I have on my back. I think it has always been there but lately I have become so paranoid about my moles that I am stressing out about it. It's about 5mm wide and slightly raised. I've been keeping an eye on it for the last three months or so and it hasn't grown or anything but I can feel that one side of it is a bit rough and crusty.
I have been to the doctors twice since December and she said that she could not find anything to be concerned about but wants to see me every three months because I am very fair and have lots of moles. Also, the mole is right on the place in my back where it rubs against my chair at work so I'm not sure whether that has caused it to go a bit crusty. I have been at my desk a lot more than normal recently.
Could it just be irritated or should I go back to the doctor again?

Saraly · 02-02-2004, 06:13 PM

If the mole is in a place where it's easily irritated I would ask to have it removed. Your doctor is wise to want to see you frequently although every three months sounds a bit much to me. I would think every 6 months would be enough. I have had many Basal Cells removed and was checked once a year. Five years ago my dad died of melanoma and the doctors wanted me to be checked every 6 months. In November I had a melanoma removed from my arm and I have to go every 3 months now. I don't mind because when MM is found at its earliest stage it's CURABLE.

Kellylou · 02-03-2004, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saraly

If the mole is in a place where it's easily irritated I would ask to have it removed. Your doctor is wise to want to see you frequently although every three months sounds a bit much to me. I would think every 6 months would be enough. I have had many Basal Cells removed and was checked once a year. Five years ago my dad died of melanoma and the doctors wanted me to be checked every 6 months. In November I had a melanoma removed from my arm and I have to go every 3 months now. I don't mind because when MM is found at its earliest stage it's CURABLE.

Thanks Saraly.
I think she said every three months because I go and get my contraceptive pill every three months and she felt she might as well check me over when I am at the surgery then. Like you say, I don't really mind going down because I am such a worrier (I'm driving my boyfriend nuts!) and the checks will either find something early or put my mind at rest.
Next time I go down I will ask her about getting the mole removed.
Thanks again and take care
Kelly

Saraly · 02-03-2004, 05:42 AM

Kelly,
If your GYN is checking you for skin cancer I would ask to see a dermatologist, especially to remove the mole. Most general practitioners will not recognize skin cancer and the screening is best left to an expert.
I'm glad you're taking such good care of yourself!

Kellylou · 02-03-2004, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saraly

Kelly,
If your GYN is checking you for skin cancer I would ask to see a dermatologist, especially to remove the mole. Most general practitioners will not recognize skin cancer and the screening is best left to an expert.
I'm glad you're taking such good care of yourself!

Saraly,
She's not my GYN she's my GP and she told me she has lots of moles herself that she keeps an eye on. So I'm banking on her knowing what she's looking for!
I will suggest that I go and see a dermatologist when I go back for my next check in April though, and in the meantime I will keep checking my skin regularly (and driving my boyfriend nuts of course!)