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Post by mom on Dec 26, 2015 19:40:34 GMT
I have a mole that I have had for as long as I can remember. It is under my arm, about 2 inches from my arm pit. While my bra does not cover the mole, I could possibly see where it could get bumped by putting on a bra or shirt.
It has always been raised - evenly raised, just a round mole. Today, though, I noticed that while the whole mole is raised, one side of it is noticeably higher (like it slants down). On the side that is higher, it now has a darker hue with a small dot of dark brown in it. The mole itself is not any larger (about the size of the end of a straw) but it is taller.
So, since the Peas know all....would you assume that its ok and that maybe it was rubbed wrong by my bra or shirt? Or would you take the watch and see idea? Or get to dr asap?
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Post by peasapie on Dec 26, 2015 19:42:36 GMT
Since my son had melanoma at 23, I assume nothing. I'd be getting that checked.
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georgiapea
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,846
Jun 27, 2014 18:02:10 GMT
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Post by georgiapea on Dec 26, 2015 19:44:11 GMT
Schedule an appointment with a dermotologist and have it checked/tested. You don't want to do a wait and see because the concern will emotionally affect you.
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,091
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Dec 26, 2015 19:44:11 GMT
Changes in moles should be checked.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Dec 26, 2015 19:45:42 GMT
get that checked asap. and keep us posted. the dr's advice says "any change in a mole needs to be checked"
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Post by mom on Dec 26, 2015 19:45:54 GMT
The dermatologist that I have gone to before has now retired. I wonder how long it takes to get into a new one?
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Post by femalebusiness on Dec 26, 2015 19:47:33 GMT
I don't go to the doctor unless I have one foot in the grave but with a mole that needs to be checked, I'd be there yesterday. Get it looked at now,
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Dec 26, 2015 19:48:18 GMT
time to start asking. Do you need to go to your regular Dr before a specialist?
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newlywoods03
Pearl Clutcher
Blessed Beyond Measure
Posts: 2,828
Jun 26, 2014 3:09:09 GMT
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Post by newlywoods03 on Dec 26, 2015 19:49:41 GMT
I would call and have it checked.
I saw a dermatologist for the first time on October. I made the appointment for one thing and he ended up noticing a mole that had 4 of the things they look for.
I had it biopsied and thankfully it was OK.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 26, 2015 19:49:43 GMT
Another vote for have it checked.
It is probably nothing. But better safe than sorry.
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Post by moveablefeast on Dec 26, 2015 19:51:23 GMT
I too would have it looked at. If you're starting with a new derm, I would just tell them your old one retired and you need a mole check because you're seeing changes. If it's a long wait for a new patient, maybe your GP can get you in with someone sooner.
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Dec 26, 2015 19:52:34 GMT
It took me 3 months to get into a dermatologist here. I had a similar issue - a spot changing in color and size. It was removed and biopsied - turned out to be nothing. I also had her do a full mole scan while I was there, and she recommended doing that every three years.
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Post by chaosisapony on Dec 26, 2015 19:55:49 GMT
I've never had a mole checked, but I would have the one you're describing checked. My old dermatologist mentioned that if they get darker in color that's a big sign to look out for.
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Post by Zee on Dec 26, 2015 20:00:40 GMT
It might be nothing but it's definitely something to get checked out.
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Post by mollycoddle on Dec 26, 2015 20:21:25 GMT
Get it checked just to be sure that it's ok.
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Post by mollycoddle on Dec 26, 2015 20:23:19 GMT
I too would have it looked at. If you're starting with a new derm, I would just tell them your old one retired and you need a mole check because you're seeing changes. If it's a long wait for a new patient, maybe your GP can get you in with someone sooner. Yes, if you are having trouble making an appt., definitely ask your GP for help.
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Post by mom on Dec 26, 2015 20:28:39 GMT
time to start asking. Do you need to go to your regular Dr before a specialist? yes - he has made the appointments for me in the past so I assume he will want to see this mole first and then refer me?
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,797
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 26, 2015 20:30:03 GMT
I have TONS of moles- most of them are at least 1/4" across with mottled surfaces. I go to the dermatologist every year for a mole check. Last summer, I had a weird spot that looked like a flesh colored mole that had just showed up. Dermatologist removed it and said it was a basal cell carcinoma. He got it all but HOLY CRAP! I'm due to go in January for another check and several of the moles I've had forever look weird to me. Could be because I'm preggo, I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances. I had 3 removed when I was in 8th grade (way back in 1988) and they came back fine but my dermatologist at the time didn't want to take any chances.
My DH had a splotchy looking mole on his back that was "new" as of 2011 and it turned out to be melanoma. I had been on him for a few years to get it checked out. He finally went a bit before christmas last year and it came back last new years eve as melanoma. He was a mess! We had a 3 year old and were trying for another and he wanted to make sure he was there to see the kids grow up. The doctor removed what he thought was a clear margin and stitched him up. Upon examination of the removed skin, it came back that the margin was NOT clear and he was back in the office within a week having MORE of it removed. Now he and I both go for mole checks.
Bottom line- go in. Even if it's for a "baseline" exam. It could save your life!
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,797
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Dec 26, 2015 20:30:49 GMT
time to start asking. Do you need to go to your regular Dr before a specialist? yes - he has made the appointments for me in the past so I assume he will want to see this mole first and then refer me? DEMAND to see a dermatologist! GP's will try to take care of it themselves. NOPE! See a dermatologist! Be a bitch if you have to!
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Post by mom on Dec 26, 2015 20:31:13 GMT
It took me 3 months to get into a dermatologist here. I had a similar issue - a spot changing in color and size. It was removed and biopsied - turned out to be nothing. I also had her do a full mole scan while I was there, and she recommended doing that every three years. See, I am thinking I have heard of friends here that say they had to wait months to get in. Apparently we are 'short' on dermatologist in our area. I may call around and see who everyone else has gotten into.
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Post by pelirroja on Dec 26, 2015 21:17:24 GMT
Please ask your GP to get you to see a dermatologist ASAP. Don't let the GP do it: it needs a derm. I'm not trying to scare you but any change in size, shape or margin needs to be checked immediately. My dad has had several battles due to ignoring moles (because they went away, according to him). Well, they didn't go away, they became metastatic. It could have been so easily treated but he didn't want to panic and didn't push to be seen. He just didn't see it as anything to worry about because it was so small and looked harmless.
I've had tons of moles taken off: it's easy and painless. It's easily treated with virtually no scarring if you get there early on, as soon as you notice a change.
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Post by anniefb on Dec 26, 2015 22:24:45 GMT
I agree it's definitely a good idea to get it checked out. But I'd start with my GP - at least that's how it works in New Zealand.
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Post by JustCallMeMommy on Dec 26, 2015 22:33:51 GMT
You might have luck getting in quickly since it is the start of the year. A lot of people (like me) try to fit in extra medical services after they meet their deductible for the year.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,402
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Dec 26, 2015 22:58:47 GMT
You already know the answer. Get it checked.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Dec 26, 2015 23:08:58 GMT
I agree with the others, insist on seeing a dermatologist asap. Annual skin checks are a good idea for everyone, especially if you are fair skinned and/or spent lots of time outdoors growing up before SPF was available. Also, when doing your own skin checks be sure to check between your toes. I never thought about that and my dermatologist found one. It was removed and biopsied and I was lucky it was nothing. But had I not been doing annual checks, I might never have found it.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 27, 2015 1:00:55 GMT
I'd be running, not walking, to the dermatologist. Seriously, GET there NOW!
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Dec 27, 2015 20:15:15 GMT
There's a formula doctors follow to assess risk--changes in ABCDE--
Asymmetry Borders Color Diameter Evolution
Get it checked right away.
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Post by turangaleela on Dec 27, 2015 22:12:05 GMT
Why would going to a GP be such a bad thing? If you can't get in to see a dermatologist and the GP removes it, they'll send it for Pathology just like most dermatologists would. The GP will get the report that talks about the margins and if more needs to be removed.
Certainly a dermatologist would be best, but not if you have to wait for weeks or more.
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Post by nightnurse on Dec 27, 2015 22:56:51 GMT
yes - he has made the appointments for me in the past so I assume he will want to see this mole first and then refer me? DEMAND to see a dermatologist! GP's will try to take care of it themselves. NOPE! See a dermatologist! Be a bitch if you have to! The mole is under her armpit, where scarring isn't an issue like on the face. Standard of care is a biopsy, in this case a simple one, easily-and more cheaply-performed by a GP/internist/PCP. Why would you "demand" a dermatologist? What do you think the derm will do differently/better? I'm genuinely curious.
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 28, 2015 0:19:41 GMT
My own GP did the biopsy on a mole for me. It had precancerous changes, so she sent me to a general surgeon for removal.
I would prefer a dermatologist, but it is something a GP can handle.
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