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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
So scared constantly of melanoma
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
So scared constantly of melanoma
by ashleymonk1025, Jun 10, 2009 12:47PM
Dr. Rockoff,
I have read so many of your topics and I think you give wonderful answers. I am a 29 year old female, blond, blue/green eyes, freckles easily, etc. I lifeguarded as a teenager and grew up at the pool. My mom always put sunscreen on me growing up but I did get my share of burns in the teenage years. I now go to the dermatologist every 6 months for routine skin checks. I have had several moles removed that were all benign. I am constantly terrified that I have/am going to get melanoma. I go on all those websites and read the statistics and look at pictures and all that, and it scares me so much! I check my moles constantly too. I currently have a mole on my chest that has been there for years. I am at the beach now and it is standing out to me. My doctor has looked at it at my last two appointments, and although he commented that he "didn't like it" he didn't take it off. It's relatively small, but kind of has that fried egg appearance. It is not black, but a darker brown, with maybe a slight lighter brown around the edges. I'm terrified that he has missed this being cancer. I go back for my next appointment in September, but I know I'm going to be terrified till then. Please give me your thoughts. Am I right to be so anxious, in other words am I a walking time bomb?
Thanks,
Ashley
I have read so many of your topics and I think you give wonderful answers. I am a 29 year old female, blond, blue/green eyes, freckles easily, etc. I lifeguarded as a teenager and grew up at the pool. My mom always put sunscreen on me growing up but I did get my share of burns in the teenage years. I now go to the dermatologist every 6 months for routine skin checks. I have had several moles removed that were all benign. I am constantly terrified that I have/am going to get melanoma. I go on all those websites and read the statistics and look at pictures and all that, and it scares me so much! I check my moles constantly too. I currently have a mole on my chest that has been there for years. I am at the beach now and it is standing out to me. My doctor has looked at it at my last two appointments, and although he commented that he "didn't like it" he didn't take it off. It's relatively small, but kind of has that fried egg appearance. It is not black, but a darker brown, with maybe a slight lighter brown around the edges. I'm terrified that he has missed this being cancer. I go back for my next appointment in September, but I know I'm going to be terrified till then. Please give me your thoughts. Am I right to be so anxious, in other words am I a walking time bomb?
Thanks,
Ashley
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 10, 2009 06:49PM
, Jun 10, 2009 06:49PMTo: ashleymonk1025
No, I don't think you're any sort of time bomb. In fact, you're being appropriately cautious. If your doctor had been concerned, he would have done a biopsy at your last visit. I think you should work on your anxiety, which is perhaps excessive, as is your looking at all those scary websites. Seeing a doctor in person is much better, but you're already doing that. If you can't hold out till September, try to see your dermatologist sooner.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
