Mole Anxiety

[Noelle Nelson]

Cancer has made a large impact on my family ever since I can remember. Because of this it has always been a large cause of anxiety for me, but skin cancer was never really on my radar. Here recently I was doing a skin exam and spent time looking at a mole that I never thought much about. Near my elbow on my left arm there is a mole about the size of the tip of my pinky finger that is oddly shaped. The closest way to describe it is that it looks almost like a rectangle with a tail, however, if I’m honest It has no clear border and therefore no real shape. The base is a very light brown (can barely tell it isn’t my skin), but about 50% is covered with much darker spots. I know the ABCD’s are important to look out for, and it freaks me out that it is asymmetrical, multiple colors, and has no clear border. I made an appointment with the dermatologist, but settling my anxiety until then seems impossible. I am trying to think logically about this, but even that doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. I am trying to think logically about this, but even that doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. I’m only 20, I’ve had this mole for at least 6 years, it grows long black hairs, and while I can’t be sure because I only checked it briefly before I don’t believe it has gone through any changes. I know this is a bit of a rant, but I needed to let off some steam to people who don't think I’m an absolute nut for being this worried. Hope everyone is having a good day.

 

[Steven]

Noelle,

I saw a dermatologist a few years ago about a mole so I can sort of relate to how youre feeling. They ended up removing mine mainly because I thought it was unslightly and sending it to a lab to have it tested for cancer. Of course it came back normal but I was pretty nervous while I waited a few days for them to get the results back. I think yours does not sound like cancer, especially because you say it’s been there for at least six years and you are only 20 years old. I would just try to relax until your appointment.