Mole

[lanneh]

I have this mole on my the top of my arm and it’s been changing for almost a year now. My GP said it isn’t anything to worry about a few months ago - didn’t even look at it through magnifier.

But it has since grown more, keeps bleeding/crusting/peeling and is slightly more raised now. It’s not in a place where any friction is caused.

Can anyone offer advice on what I should do? Thanks

[hbmbsvd034]

get a second opinion by somebody else hope all is well x

[Phillylou]

Speaking as someone who had surgery to remove a suspect black problem on my upper left arm last week , go back & ask to see a dermatologist. I was fast tracked & am now sporting 7 stitches . Yours doesn't look like mine but has same progression of symptoms . Be forceful for second opinion from someone who knows more than your gp . X

[troy04]

It isn't easy to see a dermatologist unless someone is prepared to spend £300 quid! GP will have to refer and then it may take 3/4 months to get seen (NHS UK). Perhaps you can book an appointment with a different GP and stress that you are worried and this needs to be looked at more seriously. Try to be difficult and don't leave the consultancy room unless you get a referral - sounds bad but what else can we do!

[lanneh]

Thank you everyone. I’ve previously had moles removed and have family history of melanoma and skin cancers, and having had breast cancer myself I am very vigilant at checking. I hope they take me more seriously - I’ve got an appt for Tuesday. Fingers crossed!

[SilavanaM]

Good to hear, I was about to chime in to see a derm, too. GPs aren't always the best at identifying moles, medicine has become so specialized. My derm looks at all my moles, and tells me which ones not to worry about. Luckily, they've all been ones not to worry about.

His thought was the other way, that a GP might want to remove a mole that was harmless, but I think it goes both ways.