Advice on Moles etc - Cancer: Skin Message Board

Balisugar · 07-30-2007, 08:19 AM

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

dustoffkid · 07-30-2007, 08:29 AM

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.

aimees71 · 07-30-2007, 08:46 PM

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!

steven2984us · 07-31-2007, 01:37 PM

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

camille2000 · 08-01-2007, 05:02 AM

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.