Two weeks to dermatologist visit and trying not to worry
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Two weeks to dermatologist visit and trying not to worry

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Two weeks to dermatologist visit and trying not to worry

  • Post
    • January 17, 2017 at 7:22 pm
    cyprianthev
    Participant

      Hello, all. I do not have melanoma at all, at least that I'm aware of, and am hoping it stays that way.

      Some background: I'm a 28-year-old male with a family history of melanoma (my aunt was 28 when she first developed the disease). Recently I noticed that a mole on my back, which I've had for many years, has grown larger.

      It is normal diameter and seems mostly symmetrical, but is elevated from the skin, squishy, and has a cratered top that is tender to the touch.

      Taking a shower, for instance, is painful when the water hits my back. It seems to be mostly pinkish, though the very top is slightly darker, closer to brown. It appears a little dried out. There is no hair growing from it.

      I've already made an appointment with the dermatologist, but can't be seen for two weeks. Do I have cause for worry?

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 17, 2017 at 11:50 pm
        Nemesis
        Participant

          My superficial melanoma was very clearly "off". Also, I got in much sooner with my family doctor who also did the initial removal and sent the moles to biopsy. So if you are having a hard time waiting for two weeks, maybe see if they would get you in sooner?

          • January 17, 2017 at 11:50 pm
          Nemesis
          Participant

            My superficial melanoma was very clearly "off". Also, I got in much sooner with my family doctor who also did the initial removal and sent the moles to biopsy. So if you are having a hard time waiting for two weeks, maybe see if they would get you in sooner?

            • January 17, 2017 at 11:50 pm
            Nemesis
            Participant

              My superficial melanoma was very clearly "off". Also, I got in much sooner with my family doctor who also did the initial removal and sent the moles to biopsy. So if you are having a hard time waiting for two weeks, maybe see if they would get you in sooner?

              • January 18, 2017 at 1:46 am
              Aloha14
              Participant

                I would recommend calling the dermatologist office and asking to be on a cancellation list if anyone cancels so you can get in sooner. I'd rather see a specialist (dermatolgoist) because getting the biopsy correct is important if you need one. 

                  • January 18, 2017 at 6:23 am
                  Treadlightly
                  Participant

                    I agree that you could try to push to be seen sooner to help ease your mind.

                    I must say, though, that what you have described on your back could be many things. Melanoma is perhaps the worst case scenario…but it could still be many other things, such as one of the multiple other forms of localized skin cancers which are far less life threatening. Please consider that I had an acral lentiginous melanoma on my foot (in 2010) which turned out to be stage 2A, but it never hurt or was even tender in any way whatsoever.

                    Try to maintain a positive mindset throughout this journey. The odds are in your favor for a good outcome.

                    Best of luck!
                    Mark

                    • January 18, 2017 at 6:23 am
                    Treadlightly
                    Participant

                      I agree that you could try to push to be seen sooner to help ease your mind.

                      I must say, though, that what you have described on your back could be many things. Melanoma is perhaps the worst case scenario…but it could still be many other things, such as one of the multiple other forms of localized skin cancers which are far less life threatening. Please consider that I had an acral lentiginous melanoma on my foot (in 2010) which turned out to be stage 2A, but it never hurt or was even tender in any way whatsoever.

                      Try to maintain a positive mindset throughout this journey. The odds are in your favor for a good outcome.

                      Best of luck!
                      Mark

                      • January 18, 2017 at 6:23 am
                      Treadlightly
                      Participant

                        I agree that you could try to push to be seen sooner to help ease your mind.

                        I must say, though, that what you have described on your back could be many things. Melanoma is perhaps the worst case scenario…but it could still be many other things, such as one of the multiple other forms of localized skin cancers which are far less life threatening. Please consider that I had an acral lentiginous melanoma on my foot (in 2010) which turned out to be stage 2A, but it never hurt or was even tender in any way whatsoever.

                        Try to maintain a positive mindset throughout this journey. The odds are in your favor for a good outcome.

                        Best of luck!
                        Mark

                      • January 18, 2017 at 1:46 am
                      Aloha14
                      Participant

                        I would recommend calling the dermatologist office and asking to be on a cancellation list if anyone cancels so you can get in sooner. I'd rather see a specialist (dermatolgoist) because getting the biopsy correct is important if you need one. 

                        • January 18, 2017 at 1:46 am
                        Aloha14
                        Participant

                          I would recommend calling the dermatologist office and asking to be on a cancellation list if anyone cancels so you can get in sooner. I'd rather see a specialist (dermatolgoist) because getting the biopsy correct is important if you need one. 

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