Discussion
I went to my doctor for a follow-up on my annual check. I pointed to a mole, only small, about twice the size of the rubber at the end of a pencil, which was on my right forearm. My only concern was that it had changed, getting a 'crust' and changing colour, going darker.
The doctor made an appointment at hospital. I was checked over and did not have a biopsy, as the majority of the others did, so a bit of relief there, but I was given another appointment. Off I went and was surprised to find I was sitting with people with massive moles, probably twice the size of mine.
I had my op; completely painless and everything went well. The doctor allowed me to view everything by bringing my arm down to eye level. She said she preferred it lowered but normally had it high in order to keep it out of sight. But you want to check they do it properly.
A diamond-shaped incision was made, about 5cm by 2.5 cm, a bit big but the mole had increased in size a bit in the meantime. They took the surface off, cutting under the mole, and I thought it was all over. But no. I could see the 'roots' still. It looked awful; an alien growth in my arm.
They dug out the roots down to a remarkably low level, and I got to see muscle in a sort of sheath. Once 'my' doctor had finished, she asked another to check she hadn't missed anything. I had 12 stitches which were removed earlier this week. My arm is a bit lumpy but the scar is remarkably clean.
I was told I was 'lucky' to have had my mole caught in time. If I hadn't been to my doctor at the time I probably would not have bothered. I haven't got the 'all clear' yet.
So check up online for what to watch out for with a mole and if any of the indicators show, go to your doctor. One of my colleagues at work lost an 18-yer-old daughter from a cancerous mole. Biopsies are little more than a scrape and even if an op is required, it is painless and I've seen one on a friend's face and it hardly shows. She uses make-up on 'special occasions' when I forget where it was.
Cover up or 50 factor suncream.
I was a bit irritated as I've never been one for sunbathing. I've been told that it was probably cycling as a kid. I used to spend all weekend on the bike with short sleeve jerseys. So look after your kids as well.
I was lucky with a coincidence of times.
The doctor made an appointment at hospital. I was checked over and did not have a biopsy, as the majority of the others did, so a bit of relief there, but I was given another appointment. Off I went and was surprised to find I was sitting with people with massive moles, probably twice the size of mine.
I had my op; completely painless and everything went well. The doctor allowed me to view everything by bringing my arm down to eye level. She said she preferred it lowered but normally had it high in order to keep it out of sight. But you want to check they do it properly.
A diamond-shaped incision was made, about 5cm by 2.5 cm, a bit big but the mole had increased in size a bit in the meantime. They took the surface off, cutting under the mole, and I thought it was all over. But no. I could see the 'roots' still. It looked awful; an alien growth in my arm.
They dug out the roots down to a remarkably low level, and I got to see muscle in a sort of sheath. Once 'my' doctor had finished, she asked another to check she hadn't missed anything. I had 12 stitches which were removed earlier this week. My arm is a bit lumpy but the scar is remarkably clean.
I was told I was 'lucky' to have had my mole caught in time. If I hadn't been to my doctor at the time I probably would not have bothered. I haven't got the 'all clear' yet.
So check up online for what to watch out for with a mole and if any of the indicators show, go to your doctor. One of my colleagues at work lost an 18-yer-old daughter from a cancerous mole. Biopsies are little more than a scrape and even if an op is required, it is painless and I've seen one on a friend's face and it hardly shows. She uses make-up on 'special occasions' when I forget where it was.
Cover up or 50 factor suncream.
I was a bit irritated as I've never been one for sunbathing. I've been told that it was probably cycling as a kid. I used to spend all weekend on the bike with short sleeve jerseys. So look after your kids as well.
I was lucky with a coincidence of times.
Best of luck. I've just had a phone call from my doctor. She said it was 'on the turn' and a couple of months later might have made a big of difference. So checking moles once a month is my new pastime.
Mind you, I had a shock when she phoned. I was sure it was bad news to merit a phone call. But, it seems, they do this now.
My scar has healed remarkably well in such a short time. I've had the occasional stitches in the past but they've taken a lot more trouble with this one.
12 stitches in less than two inches. I had a three inch gash on my head and all I got was six.
Hope it turns out OK for you. I know what it is like waiting for the result.
Mind you, I had a shock when she phoned. I was sure it was bad news to merit a phone call. But, it seems, they do this now.
My scar has healed remarkably well in such a short time. I've had the occasional stitches in the past but they've taken a lot more trouble with this one.
12 stitches in less than two inches. I had a three inch gash on my head and all I got was six.
Hope it turns out OK for you. I know what it is like waiting for the result.
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