MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Does melanoma continue to grow?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Does melanoma continue to grow?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Does melanoma continue to grow?

  • Post
    • September 26, 2016 at 7:23 pm
    Esmith123
    Participant

      Hello, 

      It takes a long time to see a derm where I live so I have come to this forum to ask Melanoma questions. I have a tanning history so I am trying to keep myself informed about how to check my moles and what to look out for. I have had a spot in my armpit for about 5 years now. It is weird shaped and has not changed that I know of. It's under 3 mm but was wondering if it would have grown much since noticing it 5 years ago? I am trying to be as careful as I can be and get as much information as I can regarding melanoma. Did your melanoma conntinuously grow each month or year?

      Thank you in advance.

      -Emily

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 26, 2016 at 7:29 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          If it's stable, it's not likely melanoma.  Melanoma would continue to change.  If you are concerned, show it to a dermatologist!

          • September 26, 2016 at 7:29 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            If it's stable, it's not likely melanoma.  Melanoma would continue to change.  If you are concerned, show it to a dermatologist!

            • September 26, 2016 at 7:29 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              If it's stable, it's not likely melanoma.  Melanoma would continue to change.  If you are concerned, show it to a dermatologist!

              • September 26, 2016 at 11:31 pm
              jennunicorn
              Participant

                My personal experience is when I noticed the new spot on my leg, it was very tiny, it grew and changed very fast over a matter of months.

                If yours hasn't noticeably changed, it's probably not something to worry about. Still good to go for a full body skin check with a derm, just to be on top of things, but don't worry about the appointment being months away unless you see something changing quickly.

                Take care,

                • September 26, 2016 at 11:31 pm
                jennunicorn
                Participant

                  My personal experience is when I noticed the new spot on my leg, it was very tiny, it grew and changed very fast over a matter of months.

                  If yours hasn't noticeably changed, it's probably not something to worry about. Still good to go for a full body skin check with a derm, just to be on top of things, but don't worry about the appointment being months away unless you see something changing quickly.

                  Take care,

                  • September 26, 2016 at 11:31 pm
                  jennunicorn
                  Participant

                    My personal experience is when I noticed the new spot on my leg, it was very tiny, it grew and changed very fast over a matter of months.

                    If yours hasn't noticeably changed, it's probably not something to worry about. Still good to go for a full body skin check with a derm, just to be on top of things, but don't worry about the appointment being months away unless you see something changing quickly.

                    Take care,

                    • September 29, 2016 at 1:11 pm
                    miaka618
                    Participant

                      I had a stable mole on my head for about 5 years before it spread. When I originally had it checked out, the doctor said it was nothing, but no biopsy was done. After it started to change I had it checked again and this time it was biopsied. It came back melanoma and now I am stage 3. I think it would be better to have it checked now before it grows if it is something you have not had your entire life. 

                      April 

                      • September 29, 2016 at 1:11 pm
                      miaka618
                      Participant

                        I had a stable mole on my head for about 5 years before it spread. When I originally had it checked out, the doctor said it was nothing, but no biopsy was done. After it started to change I had it checked again and this time it was biopsied. It came back melanoma and now I am stage 3. I think it would be better to have it checked now before it grows if it is something you have not had your entire life. 

                        April 

                        • September 29, 2016 at 1:11 pm
                        miaka618
                        Participant

                          I had a stable mole on my head for about 5 years before it spread. When I originally had it checked out, the doctor said it was nothing, but no biopsy was done. After it started to change I had it checked again and this time it was biopsied. It came back melanoma and now I am stage 3. I think it would be better to have it checked now before it grows if it is something you have not had your entire life. 

                          April 

                      Viewing 8 reply threads

                      Tagged: 

                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      About the MRF Patient Forum

                      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                      Popular Topics