Kinda freaking out... - Cancer: Skin Message Board

o_janus_o · 07-20-2006, 07:53 AM

As many people do I have a scattering of small moles around my body. I have one about the size of an eraser head under my armpit. Have always had it.

I can't say how long ago for sure, but I'd say about six months ago the moles around my body started changing. Nearly all of them. One became itchy and I squeezed some clear fluid out of it and that was that. No other changes. I mentioned it to the doc and she said keep and eye on it. Nearly all others that I've had since childhood have become raised.

I've always kept an eye on the one under my armpit, but it's always been weird shaped so it was hard to tell any differences. About a week ago I noticed a few black dots on it. Within the week I think they've grown and it may have gotten lumpier than it used to be.

I am getting insurance and I think it kicks in on the first of next month. Obviously I'm going to make an apointment. The thing is though I've never heard (not that I've ever heard a lot, mind) of every mole changing at once. I kind thought that if you had cancer it was usually with only one or two or something. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any hormonal changes that could do it. Or if it could mean that my entire body is riddled with cancer.

In the past two years I've developed gall bladder problems, bowel problems, and menstual problems. Since early childhood I've had occasional lung pain in my right lung and in the past year it's become less frequent, but more severe when it does happen. Obviously this does not sound good, but, call me crazy, I'm hoping someone might have some helpful and comforting info.

I'm a 24 year old female. My paps have always come back normal so nothing is visibly wrong there. I'm really hoping that hormonal changes could have done this or something.

Thanks..

o_janus_o · 07-20-2006, 08:07 AM

For the record there is very little history of cancer in my family. My grandfather died of lung cancer in his mid 80's. He was a heavy smoker his whole life. I don't smoke.

Anything anyone has to say will be appreciated, even if it isn't comforting. I'm just questing after knowledge and what I might expect. Even if you heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who read it on the internet, I'm interested. Thanks.

wakkochic17 · 07-20-2006, 01:14 PM

hey.. I've been going through something similar.. started at about your age (I'm now 28). I've always had a lot of freckles.. with some moles.. but it's like the last few years I've had many change form, some turn to dark moles.. new moles form. So far I've had 2 removed which changed pretty fast and they came back as "atypical nevi".. or atypical moles.. they grow and change color and aren't "regular". There's a dispute apparently over whether these eventually become skin cancer, but now I keep an eye for any that change color or shape over a short period of time. I actually go back to my doctor next month to get a few looked at. I don't know why it occurs like that!!

o_janus_o · 07-20-2006, 07:27 PM

Wow, thanks for your reply! I'm already breathing a little easier. Still going to go checked out ASAP, but now I don't feel like I have to prepare myself for death as much.

I have another question. How quickly does melanoma become VERY bad? I know it's never good, but how long do people usually have it before it really spreads?

Thanks a lot!