Discussion
I went to my doctor for a follow-up on my annual check. I pointed to a mole, only small, about twice the size of the rubber at the end of a pencil, which was on my right forearm. My only concern was that it had changed, getting a 'crust' and changing colour, going darker.
The doctor made an appointment at hospital. I was checked over and did not have a biopsy, as the majority of the others did, so a bit of relief there, but I was given another appointment. Off I went and was surprised to find I was sitting with people with massive moles, probably twice the size of mine.
I had my op; completely painless and everything went well. The doctor allowed me to view everything by bringing my arm down to eye level. She said she preferred it lowered but normally had it high in order to keep it out of sight. But you want to check they do it properly.
A diamond-shaped incision was made, about 5cm by 2.5 cm, a bit big but the mole had increased in size a bit in the meantime. They took the surface off, cutting under the mole, and I thought it was all over. But no. I could see the 'roots' still. It looked awful; an alien growth in my arm.
They dug out the roots down to a remarkably low level, and I got to see muscle in a sort of sheath. Once 'my' doctor had finished, she asked another to check she hadn't missed anything. I had 12 stitches which were removed earlier this week. My arm is a bit lumpy but the scar is remarkably clean.
I was told I was 'lucky' to have had my mole caught in time. If I hadn't been to my doctor at the time I probably would not have bothered. I haven't got the 'all clear' yet.
So check up online for what to watch out for with a mole and if any of the indicators show, go to your doctor. One of my colleagues at work lost an 18-yer-old daughter from a cancerous mole. Biopsies are little more than a scrape and even if an op is required, it is painless and I've seen one on a friend's face and it hardly shows. She uses make-up on 'special occasions' when I forget where it was.
Cover up or 50 factor suncream.
I was a bit irritated as I've never been one for sunbathing. I've been told that it was probably cycling as a kid. I used to spend all weekend on the bike with short sleeve jerseys. So look after your kids as well.
I was lucky with a coincidence of times.
The doctor made an appointment at hospital. I was checked over and did not have a biopsy, as the majority of the others did, so a bit of relief there, but I was given another appointment. Off I went and was surprised to find I was sitting with people with massive moles, probably twice the size of mine.
I had my op; completely painless and everything went well. The doctor allowed me to view everything by bringing my arm down to eye level. She said she preferred it lowered but normally had it high in order to keep it out of sight. But you want to check they do it properly.
A diamond-shaped incision was made, about 5cm by 2.5 cm, a bit big but the mole had increased in size a bit in the meantime. They took the surface off, cutting under the mole, and I thought it was all over. But no. I could see the 'roots' still. It looked awful; an alien growth in my arm.
They dug out the roots down to a remarkably low level, and I got to see muscle in a sort of sheath. Once 'my' doctor had finished, she asked another to check she hadn't missed anything. I had 12 stitches which were removed earlier this week. My arm is a bit lumpy but the scar is remarkably clean.
I was told I was 'lucky' to have had my mole caught in time. If I hadn't been to my doctor at the time I probably would not have bothered. I haven't got the 'all clear' yet.
So check up online for what to watch out for with a mole and if any of the indicators show, go to your doctor. One of my colleagues at work lost an 18-yer-old daughter from a cancerous mole. Biopsies are little more than a scrape and even if an op is required, it is painless and I've seen one on a friend's face and it hardly shows. She uses make-up on 'special occasions' when I forget where it was.
Cover up or 50 factor suncream.
I was a bit irritated as I've never been one for sunbathing. I've been told that it was probably cycling as a kid. I used to spend all weekend on the bike with short sleeve jerseys. So look after your kids as well.
I was lucky with a coincidence of times.
Best of luck. I've just had a phone call from my doctor. She said it was 'on the turn' and a couple of months later might have made a big of difference. So checking moles once a month is my new pastime.
Mind you, I had a shock when she phoned. I was sure it was bad news to merit a phone call. But, it seems, they do this now.
My scar has healed remarkably well in such a short time. I've had the occasional stitches in the past but they've taken a lot more trouble with this one.
12 stitches in less than two inches. I had a three inch gash on my head and all I got was six.
Hope it turns out OK for you. I know what it is like waiting for the result.
Mind you, I had a shock when she phoned. I was sure it was bad news to merit a phone call. But, it seems, they do this now.
My scar has healed remarkably well in such a short time. I've had the occasional stitches in the past but they've taken a lot more trouble with this one.
12 stitches in less than two inches. I had a three inch gash on my head and all I got was six.
Hope it turns out OK for you. I know what it is like waiting for the result.
Hope everything is well with you guys.
I also echo the importance of checking fo moles. I had a mole develop on the side of my head around 16 months ago and did nothing about it. Only after pestering from the two ladies in my life did I recently see a GP. The mole fitted all of the ABCD parameters and the derm nurse and registrar said they wanted it removed immediately. They did find a second one on my crown during the appointment.
Had both removed last thursday by the maxillofacial dept, Consultant seemed quite worried about the initial mole but less so regarding the second. It took around 40 minutes for the first and 5-10 minutes for the second. 10 & 12 stitches in them, I also await pathology results.
With good luck it will be an atypical mole, known as dysplatic nevus - which can look very much like melanoma.
I also echo the importance of checking fo moles. I had a mole develop on the side of my head around 16 months ago and did nothing about it. Only after pestering from the two ladies in my life did I recently see a GP. The mole fitted all of the ABCD parameters and the derm nurse and registrar said they wanted it removed immediately. They did find a second one on my crown during the appointment.
Had both removed last thursday by the maxillofacial dept, Consultant seemed quite worried about the initial mole but less so regarding the second. It took around 40 minutes for the first and 5-10 minutes for the second. 10 & 12 stitches in them, I also await pathology results.
With good luck it will be an atypical mole, known as dysplatic nevus - which can look very much like melanoma.
We hope it turns out to be nothing seriousDerek Smith said:
Best of luck. I've just had a phone call from my doctor. She said it was 'on the turn' and a couple of months later might have made a big of difference. So checking moles once a month is my new pastime.
Mind you, I had a shock when she phoned. I was sure it was bad news to merit a phone call. But, it seems, they do this now.
My scar has healed remarkably well in such a short time. I've had the occasional stitches in the past but they've taken a lot more trouble with this one.
12 stitches in less than two inches. I had a three inch gash on my head and all I got was six.
Hope it turns out OK for you. I know what it is like waiting for the result.
There was one on my inner forearm from birth but it gradually darkened and became three dimensional with time. A dermatologist spotted it whilst looking at something else and decided it had to be excised. It turned out to be a benign compound naevus - a.k.a. lumpy harmless birthmark! Mind you, I had a shock when she phoned. I was sure it was bad news to merit a phone call. But, it seems, they do this now.
My scar has healed remarkably well in such a short time. I've had the occasional stitches in the past but they've taken a lot more trouble with this one.
12 stitches in less than two inches. I had a three inch gash on my head and all I got was six.
Hope it turns out OK for you. I know what it is like waiting for the result.
Has anyone had a full body mole check by a Dr/dermatologist? If so, was it worth it or was it a bit basic like something you could do yourself?
It's something I'm considering as long as it's quite detailed and 'scientific'. Not just looking at a mole and then comparing it to NHS stock photos of good/bad moles.
Any recommendations?
It's something I'm considering as long as it's quite detailed and 'scientific'. Not just looking at a mole and then comparing it to NHS stock photos of good/bad moles.
Any recommendations?
xx99xx said:
Has anyone had a full body mole check by a Dr/dermatologist? If so, was it worth it or was it a bit basic like something you could do yourself?
It's something I'm considering as long as it's quite detailed and 'scientific'. Not just looking at a mole and then comparing it to NHS stock photos of good/bad moles.
Any recommendations?
I had a full check-over a few months back as I was getting concerned over a mole on my back, I went to a private clinic in Maidenhead who charged £100 for the check which was performed by a specialist nurse, plus a consultant review of anything she deemed suspicious. It took about an hour and was very reassuring (apparently I have a lot of moles and they're a lovely colour It's something I'm considering as long as it's quite detailed and 'scientific'. Not just looking at a mole and then comparing it to NHS stock photos of good/bad moles.
Any recommendations?
), she took detailed photos of two moles and three days later I had the review back giving me the technical description for the moles she'd noted, whilst saying there was nothing to worry about.From my perspective it was a very easy process and gave me a decent level of confidence that it's all OK. I plan to go back every few years just for peace of mind (like I say I have a lot of moles!). From a purely physical perspective I couldn't have done it myself but even with a willing partner, I would say that having somebody who knows what they're looking for is worth paying for.
deckster said:
I had a full check-over a few months back as I was getting concerned over a mole on my back, I went to a private clinic in Maidenhead who charged £100 for the check which was performed by a specialist nurse, plus a consultant review of anything she deemed suspicious. It took about an hour and was very reassuring (apparently I have a lot of moles and they're a lovely colour ), she took detailed photos of two moles and three days later I had the review back giving me the technical description for the moles she'd noted, whilst saying there was nothing to worry about.
From my perspective it was a very easy process and gave me a decent level of confidence that it's all OK. I plan to go back every few years just for peace of mind (like I say I have a lot of moles!). From a purely physical perspective I couldn't have done it myself but even with a willing partner, I would say that having somebody who knows what they're looking for is worth paying for.
Sounds good. Can you share a link to that clinic please?), she took detailed photos of two moles and three days later I had the review back giving me the technical description for the moles she'd noted, whilst saying there was nothing to worry about.From my perspective it was a very easy process and gave me a decent level of confidence that it's all OK. I plan to go back every few years just for peace of mind (like I say I have a lot of moles!). From a purely physical perspective I couldn't have done it myself but even with a willing partner, I would say that having somebody who knows what they're looking for is worth paying for.
xx99xx said:
deckster said:
I had a full check-over a few months back as I was getting concerned over a mole on my back, I went to a private clinic in Maidenhead who charged £100 for the check which was performed by a specialist nurse, plus a consultant review of anything she deemed suspicious. It took about an hour and was very reassuring (apparently I have a lot of moles and they're a lovely colour ), she took detailed photos of two moles and three days later I had the review back giving me the technical description for the moles she'd noted, whilst saying there was nothing to worry about.
From my perspective it was a very easy process and gave me a decent level of confidence that it's all OK. I plan to go back every few years just for peace of mind (like I say I have a lot of moles!). From a purely physical perspective I couldn't have done it myself but even with a willing partner, I would say that having somebody who knows what they're looking for is worth paying for.
Sounds good. Can you share a link to that clinic please?), she took detailed photos of two moles and three days later I had the review back giving me the technical description for the moles she'd noted, whilst saying there was nothing to worry about.From my perspective it was a very easy process and gave me a decent level of confidence that it's all OK. I plan to go back every few years just for peace of mind (like I say I have a lot of moles!). From a purely physical perspective I couldn't have done it myself but even with a willing partner, I would say that having somebody who knows what they're looking for is worth paying for.
The clinic I attended was this one https://www.bridge-clinic.com/
Had a mole that also hardened mid 2021. Local GP issues + COVID delayed referral to hospital but then things moved very quickly.
Biopsy was a 10 minute Friday afternoon event, 20% chance of spreading so had a 1hr general to remiove some Lymph nodes which at the time were clear.
Fast forward to April this year and found a lump under skin nearby, biopsies and diagnosed in a week this time. Currently recovering from lymphectomy before treatment starts next week.
Could be a lot worse but would suggest getting anything vaguely suspicious checked out ASAP.
Biopsy was a 10 minute Friday afternoon event, 20% chance of spreading so had a 1hr general to remiove some Lymph nodes which at the time were clear.
Fast forward to April this year and found a lump under skin nearby, biopsies and diagnosed in a week this time. Currently recovering from lymphectomy before treatment starts next week.
Could be a lot worse but would suggest getting anything vaguely suspicious checked out ASAP.
I've had my dodgy ones looked at by my GP (in person) and he said they were fine. But I've had that diagnosis from a GP about other stuff in the past which turned out not to be fine so I'm looking for a 2nd opinion.
And I have lots of moles so I think it's best I get them all looked at. My main concern is a small bit of skin in my back, which has itched on and off for about 5 years. There is no mole there though. GP said it was dry skin (it isn't dry) and use moisturiser.
And I have lots of moles so I think it's best I get them all looked at. My main concern is a small bit of skin in my back, which has itched on and off for about 5 years. There is no mole there though. GP said it was dry skin (it isn't dry) and use moisturiser.
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