Worried about a mole

[scoobysoo]

I've always had a little flat mole/freckle near my right armpit. I was just shaving my underarms, and noticed that the mole is now suddenly bigger! It sticks out now, and is darker. Is this something I should get checked out? I'm not sure as I thought you only needed to worry about moles that are exposed to the sun, which this definitely isn't, and I don't want to appear like a hypochondriac to the doctor, especially since I was only there last week!!!

[ChuckFickens]

I would suggest you do risk appearing like a hypochondriac and get yourself off down the doctors.

[joggerjayne]

They're *******. They can f*ck your lawn up.

[joggerjayne]

Oh ... should have read the post in full.

[hollie1586]

has it changed shape, got jagged edges. does it bleed/ ooze anything?

[Abdulmajid]

If in any doubt have it removed.

Most doctors surgeries will do this in their nurses room I believe and it is only a 5 minute jobbie with local anaesthetic.

It will hardly leave a scar in your pit will it?

[4GS]

If it starts to itch then go to your doctor ASAP,

[scoobysoo]

It's smooth around the edge, but is bigger and darker. Not very dark though - about the same shade as milk chocolate. It actually feels huge and was a shock when I felt it there, but it doesn't look so bad

[scoobysoo]

Oh and it's not bleeding or sore or itchy or red and inflamed.

Is it normal for moles to suddenly grow???

[sqad617]

Mole that gets bigger, changes colour, itches, bleeds, any of these changes should suggest urgent referral to GP for excision and biopsy.

[hollie1586]

any mole that suddenly gets bigger needs to be looked at. it could get irritated and could turn into melanoma later in life.

[Aprilis]

ANY change in size, colour, shape or texture should prompt you to get it looked at by a GP, especially if these changes occur rapidly. If the colour or edges become uneven they are also not good signs. Also, as 4GS said, you must get it looked at promptly if it becomes itchy. If any 'satellite' moles marks or lumps should appear close to it then a mole needs immediate attention.

The mole itself doesn't necessarily need to be directly exposed to the sun to become cancerous or pre-cancerous.

Even if it should turn out to be quite normal you can still ask to have it removed if it annoys you. To back up what Abdulmajid says, it's a simple procedure that can be done at your GP's surgery and will only take a few minutes to sort out. Had it done myself on more than one occasion.

Where moles are concerned you should always think....If in doubt, check it out! Malignant melanoma is one of the most rapidly spreading and aggressive forms of cancer there is and early detection and removal is of paramount importance.

I'm sorry if I appear to sound a bit melodramatic but I lost my dad to metastatic malignant melanoma. I'd rather scare someone into getting a mole checked than think they might not take any action at all. Stuff feeling like a hypochondriac....go and get it looked at or removed! NEVER take any chances with moles that concern you.

[scoobysoo]

Thanks for your responses everyone - I'll make an appointment tomorrow. It's probably a good idea to get it lopped off anyway, as I'm worried about catching it when I shave. Thanks again

Soo