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Given your history, I don't think a biopsy will help your anxiety. I would monitor it but mostly I hope you report this new concern to your therapist and psychiatrist.

I agree to make a dermatologist appointment. My dermatologist said that most people should get looked at every 12-24 months.

I have personally had more biopsies than I can count. Only one came back as cancerous, but it was such early stage that when they did the third level biopsy they got everything out (surrounded by healthy cells). I don't even think it was melanoma.

I would make an appt with a dermatologist. This is their specialty! I used to tan in tanning beds as well and try to pay attention to any new marks or moles. I'd wait to see what the dermatologist recommends before making any decisions.

I think getting a body scan every 12 months is recommended for everyone, though not totally sure. I have a birthmark on my leg that has always been there, but I did have a dermatologist recommend that I get it removed. I never did since I was born with it so didnt really understand how it could be anything worrisome, but I'd be curious to get another dermatologist's opinion.

Second/third/fourthing the recs to see a dermatologist. I go every year because I have a lot of moles. The first year they didn’t like the
looks of one, removed it, and it did turn out to be cancerous, but basal cell carcinoma not melanoma, and removing it removed all of it. I’ve had one removed since that turned out fine.

What makes you think it’s suspicious?

@CatchAFallingStar: going to see a dermatologist for a second opinion is not at all unreasonable, that's what they're qualified to do. Personally I go to a GP very rarely, beyond basic checkups and general illness; I go directly to specialists for things like skin, eyes, etc. Even given your history of anxiety, this is a common sense thing that anyone should do.

@Mrs. Starfish: Yes this!!!

I keep checking on this thread because the reaction of your GP REALLY bothers me like it does Mrs. Starfish. The goal is not to watch suspicious moles turn into melanoma! If it is truly suspicious and that is the track the dermatologist thinks it could take they want it gone NOW before it turns into anything.

I know you've struggled with health anxiety now and in the past and your husband might think you are overreacting, but I REALLY think NOT seeking the advice of a dermatologist after what your GP said is a total under reaction.

I already commented above but maybe this explanation would help:

1) Asking a dermatologist to remove all of the moles on your body because you know they're cancerous, would be an anxious over reaction.

2) Asking a dermatologist to do a skin check to assess your moles, is a normal thing that people are recommended to do yearly, esp. If they have moles.

@CatchAFallingStar: glad it's removed! Skin cancer is one of the most treatable conditions if you catch it early! DH has gotten 3 moles removed and 2 of them came back as precancerous. But since they were removed, it's fine. He just goes every 6 months for monitoring instead of yearly like others.

@CatchAFallingStar: So happy to hear you've had it removed. I've found that derms really do have a good sense of what is concerning upon sight so if they are feeling optimistic, I would let myself feel some of that as well.

That said, I understand the waiting anxiety. I also had one taken off on Friday and I'm in the 1-week wait myself. It's really tough.

@CatchAFallingStar: My melanoma looked like a large tan freckle; the borders were asymmetric. It was in the center of my chest. My biopsy from Friday was also in my chest, but more at the collarbone. Also looked like a tan freckle, but smaller than the melanoma. Seriously if I've learned anything through this process, it's that my eyes have NO BUSINESS determining what is serious or not. I leave it to the professionals and the lab tests!

@CatchAFallingStar: Yep, still waiting!

@CatchAFallingStar: Hang in there! I have had four moles removed in the past couple of years, and my dermatologist's office never tells me the results of the biopsy until I go back to have the stitches removed two weeks later. It's a pain!

@CatchAFallingStar: @Mrs. Starfish: Great news for both of you!