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When you have a lot of moles…
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When you have a lot of moles…

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › When you have a lot of moles…

  • Post
    • March 19, 2017 at 9:55 pm
    Girlfromohio
    Participant

      Back in December I had a funky looking growth on my hand. I was concerned it was a non pigmented melanoma. Had a shave biopsy and it came back as a wart. Great, right? Well I scheduled a full body skin check with the dermatologist and had that in February. I have a fairly large amount of moles. I hadn't had a full skin check in probably 10 years (I'm 35 now).

      This derm had never seen my moles before and pointed out quite a few that she wants to biopsy. Like, almost 10. Now I have had all these moles for at least 5-10 years and I have noticed no change in them. Should I proceed to have all of these biopsied? What are the odds of these being melanoma if they've been around for at least 5 years. I'd normally like to proactive but it's so many biopsies!! Any advice??

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        • March 19, 2017 at 11:57 pm
        Bobman
        Participant

          Personally , I  would  take them  off .  A biopsy  is the only  way to know what they are. Without  that,you're  never going  to know, nor could  anyone  here speculate . A good  dermatologist  that spends all day everyday  looking  at lesions  marks several  for biopsy , I'd  do it. Then you will  know what you're  dealing  with,and be able to use that information  for monitoring  the rest of your  moles.

          Bob

           

          • March 20, 2017 at 2:22 am
          Marksa2570
          Participant

            I was recently diagnosed stage 1.   Due to having all the risk factors (red hair, family history, ex-lifeguard, and melanoma), my new dermatologist says he is going to be very conservative with me.  

            He biopsied 9 – 3 came back benign, 3 moderately atypical and 3 pending.   None were changing or itchy or bleeding but neither was my melanoma – it just looked slightly different.    If one of these came back melanoma, I would be glad we did it but I am very grateful none have.    From what I understand it's unusual to have multiple primaries (although my dad has had 3 over 45 years).    Also… Something like half of melanomas start from new growth – not an existing moles.    

            In the beginning I actually wanted these off thinking it would give me peace of mind and I guess it's helped a bit.   Melanoma just has the potential to be such an elusive disease… My mind still sometimes goes to that "what-if" place but I am getting better with time.    

            I probably didn't help answer your question – sorry!    

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