Abnormal mole?

[bensmum]

I have noticed in the last few days that a mole on my upper arm has started to itch and it seems inflamed and darker than normal. I know we are told to be aware of changes but I don't want to go to the doctor if it is likely to be nothing. Has anyone else had a problem with a mole and what happened?

[alijangra]

Get it checked as soon as possible, it may be nothing but on the other hand it may be something. Malignant melanoma is very much on the increase and any mole changes should be taken very seriously.

[ethandron]

absolutely agree, don't mess around, go and see your doctor. the doctor would rather check out 100 moles that aren't sinister than miss one that is, so don't think you'd be wasting his time.

[jno]

yes, off to the doctor. Could well be a melanoma, but if caught quickly they're treatable with minimum fuss. The longer you leave them to spread the worse they get.

[GeordiePengy]

Agree with all the above. For peace of mind, get it checked. If there is anything sinister then you've caught it as soon as possible. Don't let it potentially develop and get worse.

[chazza]

Hi
Yes years ago I had a problem with a big mole on my leg. It basically displayed all the warning signs, change of colour, bleeding, change of shape etc. As I was only a child, my mum took me to the dr and I was booked into the hospital for removal.

They just removed it with a scalpal and stitched me up! Wasn't very sore from what I remember. The tests came back that there was nothing wrong with it in the end

YEars later, as an adult I had another one removed as it was one of those sticky out ones which was catching on clothes and I was scared of ripping it off.

My GP was able to do minor surgery on this himself, and did it by kind of lifting it up and cutting it off! And then kind of searing it shut so that it didn't need stitches!

But definintely see about it ASAP to put your own mind at rest if nothing else!

[bensmum]

Thanks for that everyone - I suppose I know I have to go to the doctor but I haven't been for several years and I always feel a bit of a fraud for some reason (everyone else there looks a lot sicker than me!)

[nuoyg]

Hiya bensmum, for the sake of 5 mins it's definitely worth getting it checked. I had a mole removed about 12 years ago (it was on my waist band and irritated me and had altered slightly in size and was itchy) and I clearly remember the doctor saying that there are various factors which can make it alter and it doesn't necessarily mean it's cancerous, but you should never ignore these things...and if you have only just noticed it, then it's a good time to go (if you leave it, could get worse etc).