I have a lot of moles - need advice please

darling.x

I've got a lot of moles on my arms and legs. I always thought they were harmless freckles until a doctor mentioned a few months back that I've got a lot of moles and to keep an eye on them for changes.

I never observed them in the past and when i was younger as a teenager and early 20s i was careless in the sun and got badly burnt a few summers.

Some of my moles are light in colour, others are dark, some are flat and others are raised.

Should I go to my GP and explain my situation in that I have never observed them until recently, and ask for them to be checked out to be on the safe side.

I am now taking care of my skin in the sun. I try to avoid the sun now when its hottest. I'm also working during the days so i'm hardly ever out in it, and when i am i wear sun lotion or long sleeves. I have never been abroad on holidays and I've never used sunbeds, but i would still like to get the moles checked out to be on the safe side as i really wouldn't know if some of my moles changed in the past. It would have went completely unnoticed if they did.

MysticalSoul

Generally speaking if there is any abnormality, which can vary - is the colour and shape consistent in the mole, are they just slightly raised, etc. I had one which changed recently, had become scabby - have had it for years, went to my gp, and was told I would need to have a histology done on it. An appointment was made for a few days before the removal for the doc who would be doing that to assess it. Anyway, the night before it came off in the bath :eek:, and when I told the other doc this, it was nearly as if he didn't believe me. He checked the area though, and said there was sun damage in that area, but nothing he would be concerned about. I would definitely say get them checked out though, if for nothing other than for peace of mind. Since the doc told you to keep an eye on them, have you been? If you goggle mole abnormalities, or something to that effect, you should be able to find some info on what type of things to keep an eye out for.

daisy123

irishamethyst wrote: »

Anyway, the night before it came off in the bath :eek:,

Wow, how freaked out must YOU have been??

OP, as this is not a medical forum, no medical advice can be given, but I also have a few moles that many people have said to me that they look "abnormal" and I should get checked out, but they have been that dark since birth. So basically, only you can really know if they are abnormal, keep an eye on them but for your own peace of mind, head to the doctor's again and ask his advice.

ronbyrne2005

Firstly don't panic. It's highly unlikely you have any cancerous moles/growths at this stage.
You should notice significant changes in moles even if you had paid no attention to them in the past. It would be bigger, itchy, bleeding, significant change in color,size, the border(irregular etc), the symmetry etc.
If you are worried consult a GP/Dermatologist and tell them your concerns. You can get mole mapping done and specialists can use equipment to examine your moles/skin.
http://www.bfmelanoma.com/abcd.htm
http://www.chartermedical.ie/health-screening/mole-mapping

LegacyUser

If you're worried about any moles, go on to the doctor and get them to have a look! Got some moles removed a few years back, had a couple of months to wait, but I was in and out within the day, wasn't a problem at all!

Overheal

I cant give you medical advice - i dont know a thing about these really - but I do have a lot of what would otherwise be moles, pretty much everywhere. there must be a hundred or so but they all seem to be smooth and <1cm. Always had them and never had an issue. Even had some serious sunburns in the past (the worst had me paralyzed for 2 weeks and in pain for 6 more.... dont spend 4 hours in Florida sun without protection folks*) but there seems to have been no trouble with the moles.

*or a shirt.