Dark spots(moles?) near vagina

[kl21]

A few months ago I noticed a small dark spot near my vagina and never really thought much of it. I happened to notice it again and realized that it has gotten slightly larger, and now I am getting very nervous. I go for exams at the gyno twice a year and she has never said anything. I looked up some information on the web and I am afraid it might be melanoma or simply just a mole? Please advise if you know any information on this and if its normal. I am very nervous!

[LILYBUG]

If you'd like to talk to me directly, let me know your email address. I do not have an address at home, so I'd need to contact you from work and cannot post that address here. I'd be glad to talk to you further and hook you up with some info and resources. Please try not to get too worried until you know something. I am waiting on biopsy results from another mole right now and I know it is hard not to worry (and I am going to a gyn/onc on Monday to try to determine if I have any kind of gyn cancer too). I know it is all scary. Try not to worry until you know you have something. I'd be glad to talk to you directly.

[kl21]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I am actually making an apt with my ob/gyn tomorrow and will hopefully get this sorted out and proceed with a dermatologist if necessary. Thanks again for your comments! Although I am still really nervous, it helps to have support.

[LILYBUG]

Please be sure and have it looked at ASAP. I don't mean to scare you. Chances are, it is perfectly benign. That being said, I have melanoma and can assure you it is a very serious form of cancer (yes, I know, all cancers are serious). I only emphasize serious because a lot of people don't realize melanoma is very deadly. My melanoma didn't even look like melanoma and was not an existing mole. It grew very fast. The key is early detection. Yours is in a spot that is often overlooked. I recommend having a dermatologist look at it and biopsy it. Don't let them do a shave, insists on a punch or full excision. If they shave it, they never know the true depth and therefore may not recommend appropriate treatment if it is melanoma. I know it is not the most fun thing to have a derm looking in that area, but better safe than sorry. Try not to worry. I know it is hard. The internet can be a wealth of info, but try not to get freaked out by what you read. Early detection really can yield great results. It is not a death sentence and early stage (I) has a cure rate of 90-95% so if you get to the Dr. soon, even if it is melanoma, you'll be glad you didn't wait. Chances are it is benign but please don't ever assume.