melanoma

[lisalynn1961]

My dr. removed a "mole" and said it looks like melanmoa.  I had, had it checked once before and was told it was OK.  It is being sent off for testing. It was a very dark brown to black in color, very smooth and circular in shape.  It measured about 7cm by 9 cm.  When she removed it she said that it wasn't too deep. I know I have had it for more than a year because of the first time I had it checked was at least a year ago.  Should I be concerned?  I am worrying myself sick about this.   I am female, 49 years old and only had one or two moles in my life.  I did have a mole looking mass that was removed from my chest years ago and the dr. said it wasn't a mole but gave it another name and said it usually occures in older patients.  I am in good health with no other problems.  Can someone please help me?

[lisalynn1961]

I am happy to report that it was just a mole.  What  a scary time it has been but I encourage anyone with anything that looks suspecious to get it checked out.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The mole like growth that you had got removed earlier could be a seborrheic keratosis which resembles a mole and is a benign skin lesion. It is good that your doctor is sending the removed mole for histopath analysis because size wise it is a big mole and only biopsy and examination can rule out a melanoma completely. So please don’t worry and we should wait for the reports.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.