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Melanoma?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Melanoma?

  • Post
    • June 2, 2016 at 1:01 pm
    pyroman251
    Participant

      Found this site because I have been browsing the internet looking for guidance. This is my first post, please forgive me. I am terrified about a mole I have on my chest, just above my right breast area. I followed up with my primary care physician yesterday, and he is scheduling me to see an Dermatoligist. This has me worried. He didn't think it quite resembled melanoma, but wasn't sure. He thinks it might be Dysplastic Nevi. Here is an image: 



      http://tinyurl.com/zj74ttp



      Another thing I might add, which is the scariest part. I have been having neck and shoulder pains for a few weeks now. I thought it was because I slept on my shoulder wrong (as I did in fact wake up one time with my shoulder asleep), but I have read a few stories where Melanoma hits the lymph nodes and causes this sort of pain. It is on the right side, as is this mole. 



      My primary care physician did not seem to indicate the two were related. He thinks the neck and shoulder issue might be muscular. Though a dose of Flexiril did not help any.
       

      Really nervous…

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • June 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          You have done all you can for now. No one on here can give you any more information than what your doctor has already given you. Don't freak out, more than likely it is nothing. Just because your doctor scheduled you to see a derm does not automatically mean it is something worrisome. Odds are in your favor that it is benign.

          Best piece of advice: get off the internet and stop searching about scary moles. It will do you no good. That's like searching migraines and then thinking you have brain cancer, Google is not a doctor.

          All the best,

          • June 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
          jennunicorn
          Participant

            You have done all you can for now. No one on here can give you any more information than what your doctor has already given you. Don't freak out, more than likely it is nothing. Just because your doctor scheduled you to see a derm does not automatically mean it is something worrisome. Odds are in your favor that it is benign.

            Best piece of advice: get off the internet and stop searching about scary moles. It will do you no good. That's like searching migraines and then thinking you have brain cancer, Google is not a doctor.

            All the best,

            • June 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
            jennunicorn
            Participant

              You have done all you can for now. No one on here can give you any more information than what your doctor has already given you. Don't freak out, more than likely it is nothing. Just because your doctor scheduled you to see a derm does not automatically mean it is something worrisome. Odds are in your favor that it is benign.

              Best piece of advice: get off the internet and stop searching about scary moles. It will do you no good. That's like searching migraines and then thinking you have brain cancer, Google is not a doctor.

              All the best,

              • June 2, 2016 at 3:55 pm
              MoiraM
              Participant

                No one can disagnose melanoma from a phtoto. You are worried, you saw your doctor, he has referred you to a dematologist. You have done the right thing.

                The other day I got a letter from my melanoma specialist. It said that my calcium levels were low on my last blood test and could I go to my doctor and get a retest. Immediately I looked up the symptoms of calcium deficiency and, sure enough, I had some of them. Only I didn't. the repeat blood test shows that my calcium levels were just fine.

                My point is that you can match everyday aches and pains to almost any set of symtons you read on the internet. It's even more likely if you are reading people's stories.

                I have melanoma. It had spread and I never felt one pang from the area with the lymph nodes it had spread to.

                Listen to your doctor.  It's probably normal aches and pains. Looking for symptoms and getting yourself wound up will increase your anxiety levels, which isn't good for you.

                All the best for your consultation with the dermatologist. Hopefully he or she will set your mind at rest.

                 

                • June 2, 2016 at 3:55 pm
                MoiraM
                Participant

                  No one can disagnose melanoma from a phtoto. You are worried, you saw your doctor, he has referred you to a dematologist. You have done the right thing.

                  The other day I got a letter from my melanoma specialist. It said that my calcium levels were low on my last blood test and could I go to my doctor and get a retest. Immediately I looked up the symptoms of calcium deficiency and, sure enough, I had some of them. Only I didn't. the repeat blood test shows that my calcium levels were just fine.

                  My point is that you can match everyday aches and pains to almost any set of symtons you read on the internet. It's even more likely if you are reading people's stories.

                  I have melanoma. It had spread and I never felt one pang from the area with the lymph nodes it had spread to.

                  Listen to your doctor.  It's probably normal aches and pains. Looking for symptoms and getting yourself wound up will increase your anxiety levels, which isn't good for you.

                  All the best for your consultation with the dermatologist. Hopefully he or she will set your mind at rest.

                   

                  • June 2, 2016 at 3:55 pm
                  MoiraM
                  Participant

                    No one can disagnose melanoma from a phtoto. You are worried, you saw your doctor, he has referred you to a dematologist. You have done the right thing.

                    The other day I got a letter from my melanoma specialist. It said that my calcium levels were low on my last blood test and could I go to my doctor and get a retest. Immediately I looked up the symptoms of calcium deficiency and, sure enough, I had some of them. Only I didn't. the repeat blood test shows that my calcium levels were just fine.

                    My point is that you can match everyday aches and pains to almost any set of symtons you read on the internet. It's even more likely if you are reading people's stories.

                    I have melanoma. It had spread and I never felt one pang from the area with the lymph nodes it had spread to.

                    Listen to your doctor.  It's probably normal aches and pains. Looking for symptoms and getting yourself wound up will increase your anxiety levels, which isn't good for you.

                    All the best for your consultation with the dermatologist. Hopefully he or she will set your mind at rest.

                     

                    • June 2, 2016 at 4:55 pm
                    UriahPH
                    Participant

                      Honestly, I've got moles that look way worst than that, and they are stable for now. I can't tell you what it is but it looks like a common mole just by looking at it. Moles come in so many shapes and sizes that it's pointless googling them because most moles will prob follow the ABCD to some degree and we'd have no skin left from all the biopsys. If it hasn't changed then I'd not worry about it. A changing mole is the only way to know what the real bad ones are..change is itching, colour, size and texture. 

                      • June 2, 2016 at 4:55 pm
                      UriahPH
                      Participant

                        Honestly, I've got moles that look way worst than that, and they are stable for now. I can't tell you what it is but it looks like a common mole just by looking at it. Moles come in so many shapes and sizes that it's pointless googling them because most moles will prob follow the ABCD to some degree and we'd have no skin left from all the biopsys. If it hasn't changed then I'd not worry about it. A changing mole is the only way to know what the real bad ones are..change is itching, colour, size and texture. 

                        • June 2, 2016 at 4:55 pm
                        UriahPH
                        Participant

                          Honestly, I've got moles that look way worst than that, and they are stable for now. I can't tell you what it is but it looks like a common mole just by looking at it. Moles come in so many shapes and sizes that it's pointless googling them because most moles will prob follow the ABCD to some degree and we'd have no skin left from all the biopsys. If it hasn't changed then I'd not worry about it. A changing mole is the only way to know what the real bad ones are..change is itching, colour, size and texture. 

                            • June 2, 2016 at 5:16 pm
                            pyroman251
                            Participant

                              Thanks everyone for your replies so far. Sometimes, I just need to talk with other people. I am, admittedly, a person of worry and especially when I have something that resembles something bad. 

                              One thing I didn't comment on is the age of the mole. I do know it has been there, but it is new to recent years. I am 29 years old. I have gone back to vacation photos from roughly 3 years ago and it was not there. Size wise, it is about the size or slightly bigger than a new pencil eraser, I have done the pencil test suggested by many. I started tracking this last week when someone noticed it and suggested it while I was swimming.

                              I did manage to get my derm appointment bumped up to 6/15 due to a cancelation, they originally had me waiting until 7/1.  

                              • June 2, 2016 at 5:16 pm
                              pyroman251
                              Participant

                                Thanks everyone for your replies so far. Sometimes, I just need to talk with other people. I am, admittedly, a person of worry and especially when I have something that resembles something bad. 

                                One thing I didn't comment on is the age of the mole. I do know it has been there, but it is new to recent years. I am 29 years old. I have gone back to vacation photos from roughly 3 years ago and it was not there. Size wise, it is about the size or slightly bigger than a new pencil eraser, I have done the pencil test suggested by many. I started tracking this last week when someone noticed it and suggested it while I was swimming.

                                I did manage to get my derm appointment bumped up to 6/15 due to a cancelation, they originally had me waiting until 7/1.  

                                • June 2, 2016 at 5:16 pm
                                pyroman251
                                Participant

                                  Thanks everyone for your replies so far. Sometimes, I just need to talk with other people. I am, admittedly, a person of worry and especially when I have something that resembles something bad. 

                                  One thing I didn't comment on is the age of the mole. I do know it has been there, but it is new to recent years. I am 29 years old. I have gone back to vacation photos from roughly 3 years ago and it was not there. Size wise, it is about the size or slightly bigger than a new pencil eraser, I have done the pencil test suggested by many. I started tracking this last week when someone noticed it and suggested it while I was swimming.

                                  I did manage to get my derm appointment bumped up to 6/15 due to a cancelation, they originally had me waiting until 7/1.  

                                  • June 2, 2016 at 5:39 pm
                                  UriahPH
                                  Participant
                                    The only thing to look out for is change. While most Melanomas are large, I don’t think size makes it more concerning. While most moles stop appearing after 30, they can still appear and I don’t think it’s uncommon. Just see what the dermatologist says.
                                    • June 2, 2016 at 5:39 pm
                                    UriahPH
                                    Participant
                                      The only thing to look out for is change. While most Melanomas are large, I don’t think size makes it more concerning. While most moles stop appearing after 30, they can still appear and I don’t think it’s uncommon. Just see what the dermatologist says.
                                      • June 2, 2016 at 5:39 pm
                                      UriahPH
                                      Participant
                                        The only thing to look out for is change. While most Melanomas are large, I don’t think size makes it more concerning. While most moles stop appearing after 30, they can still appear and I don’t think it’s uncommon. Just see what the dermatologist says.
                                        • June 2, 2016 at 6:03 pm
                                        Rosegargala
                                        Participant

                                          I agree! I have many of those!  I really don't think you have anything to worry about 🙂

                                          • June 2, 2016 at 9:50 pm
                                          pyroman251
                                          Participant

                                            Thanks everyone, it feels better to at least talk about it. The mole is also bumpier, scalier (does that make sense), then the rest on my pale body, which also makes me nervous. No bleeding or itching. Can't tell if the black spots are hair follicles or part of the mole. I haven't paid enough attention to it to tell if it has changed shape or size, I just know it wasn't there in 2013 Jamaica vacation pictures. I don't have any shirtless pictures of myself from 2014 or 15 that I can see, so I can't speculate as to when it came about. I thought I saw something last year, but didn't feel concerned. 

                                            I really appreciate all of the responses, and pray for those actually going through it. 

                                            • June 11, 2016 at 3:53 pm
                                            pyroman251
                                            Participant
                                              Here’s a better picture of it. https://fi.realself.com/full/d0928197c39e8755a9b57c7eab7a16b8/2/4/d/userimage-1695048.jpg

                                              Still really nervous about it. Worried it hit my lymph nodes. Dermatologist appointment moved up to Monday with a little persistence.

                                              • June 11, 2016 at 3:53 pm
                                              pyroman251
                                              Participant
                                                Here’s a better picture of it. https://fi.realself.com/full/d0928197c39e8755a9b57c7eab7a16b8/2/4/d/userimage-1695048.jpg

                                                Still really nervous about it. Worried it hit my lymph nodes. Dermatologist appointment moved up to Monday with a little persistence.

                                                • June 11, 2016 at 3:53 pm
                                                pyroman251
                                                Participant
                                                  Here’s a better picture of it. https://fi.realself.com/full/d0928197c39e8755a9b57c7eab7a16b8/2/4/d/userimage-1695048.jpg

                                                  Still really nervous about it. Worried it hit my lymph nodes. Dermatologist appointment moved up to Monday with a little persistence.

                                                  • June 11, 2016 at 4:23 pm
                                                  jennunicorn
                                                  Participant

                                                    Try not to worry too much, just remember the odds are in your favor that it is not melanoma. You don't know if it spread, don't even go there in your mind, it really won't help. 

                                                    All the best,

                                                    • June 11, 2016 at 4:23 pm
                                                    jennunicorn
                                                    Participant

                                                      Try not to worry too much, just remember the odds are in your favor that it is not melanoma. You don't know if it spread, don't even go there in your mind, it really won't help. 

                                                      All the best,

                                                      • June 11, 2016 at 4:23 pm
                                                      jennunicorn
                                                      Participant

                                                        Try not to worry too much, just remember the odds are in your favor that it is not melanoma. You don't know if it spread, don't even go there in your mind, it really won't help. 

                                                        All the best,

                                                        • June 2, 2016 at 9:50 pm
                                                        pyroman251
                                                        Participant

                                                          Thanks everyone, it feels better to at least talk about it. The mole is also bumpier, scalier (does that make sense), then the rest on my pale body, which also makes me nervous. No bleeding or itching. Can't tell if the black spots are hair follicles or part of the mole. I haven't paid enough attention to it to tell if it has changed shape or size, I just know it wasn't there in 2013 Jamaica vacation pictures. I don't have any shirtless pictures of myself from 2014 or 15 that I can see, so I can't speculate as to when it came about. I thought I saw something last year, but didn't feel concerned. 

                                                          I really appreciate all of the responses, and pray for those actually going through it. 

                                                          • June 2, 2016 at 9:50 pm
                                                          pyroman251
                                                          Participant

                                                            Thanks everyone, it feels better to at least talk about it. The mole is also bumpier, scalier (does that make sense), then the rest on my pale body, which also makes me nervous. No bleeding or itching. Can't tell if the black spots are hair follicles or part of the mole. I haven't paid enough attention to it to tell if it has changed shape or size, I just know it wasn't there in 2013 Jamaica vacation pictures. I don't have any shirtless pictures of myself from 2014 or 15 that I can see, so I can't speculate as to when it came about. I thought I saw something last year, but didn't feel concerned. 

                                                            I really appreciate all of the responses, and pray for those actually going through it. 

                                                            • June 2, 2016 at 6:03 pm
                                                            Rosegargala
                                                            Participant

                                                              I agree! I have many of those!  I really don't think you have anything to worry about 🙂

                                                              • June 2, 2016 at 6:03 pm
                                                              Rosegargala
                                                              Participant

                                                                I agree! I have many of those!  I really don't think you have anything to worry about 🙂

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