24 years old with new moles ..help me out please

[ANGELKILLER475]

Hello Im 24, used tanning salon maybe 20 times in my life..... i remember getting burned a few times though on the beach and whatnot. I have about 5 or 6 new moles that have appeared on my stomach within in the past 3 or 4 months. All of them are normal looking as far as ABCDE....except for the fact that they are all new. I know I have to see a dermatologist but I have no health insurance right now, I am in school so i could possibly get it there, but that might take a while. Is there anywhere I can go to get these moles checked/tested without paying a lot? And is it almost guaranteed that it is melanoma because why would 5 or 6 new moles randomly appear all on my stomach...? Please help me out guys ..thanks a lot!!

[honeyrose]

This answer is a bit late, but I thought I'd post anyway - just in case someone has something similar.

First of all, people grow new moles well into their 3rd decade, it is not unusual for new moles to appear. Secondly melanoma will present as a single mole not lots, the fact you have 5/6 new moles does not indicate melanoma, quite the opposite.

Over-use of tanning beds does increase your risk of melanoma, so you should stop using them, tanning beds and the sun can also damage your skin, make you old and wrinkly before your time and increase your moles and make them darker.

To put your mind at rest in situations like this, it is always wise to seek out a professional's opinion, if you do not have health insurance, then either cut back on luxury items and save for an appointment or if this is not possible ask a relative or friend to lend you the money (if possible).

If in doubt, always consult a professional.

[Pum]

It is definitely not "almost guaranteed that it is melanoma".

I don't know how you could get these looked at as I'm not in the US. Here, we would just visit the GP and it would cost about $10 US.

Take care.