Anyone ever have a suspicious mole checked out?

[hedgehog]

What I'm afraid of is being told it looks odd, then being told to come back in two weeks for a biopsy, then being told to come back again to have it removed. This is a small mole that I think has taken an odd turn. What are the chances that it will simply be removed and biopsied if the doctor agrees with me?

[Hoyt]

1. If needed, they'd probably do a biopsy the first visit. Doesn't take long nowadays.

Then if needed, they'll have you come back to have it removed. If it's really small, they might take the whole thing off the first time, and have it biopsied. If clear, you wouldn't have to go back.

This is based upon my experience with my weird looking skin lesions.

Whatever, have it checked. It's a lot easier to handle when small. Good luck.

[hedgehog]

2. Thank you for the reassurance! I just noticed the change the day before Thanksgiving;

I'm due to have it checked next week.

Like you said - don't wait!

[applegrove]

3. I went in and had anything I was worried about biopsied right then and there.

Took the doctor a minute to prepare. Only took one appointment. Said they'd call if there was a problem. No call.

[2theleft]

4. I've had three removed - no special appointment needed...

went in for an annual check up/physical with my gp. Told him a few of moles looked funny...One he said was fine, two were questionable. Called the nurse in, numbed the spot, removed them both in their entirety. One needed two stitches, the other a band aid. Next year, same thing, he checked out a few, removed one. No stitches on that one.

My grandfather died of skin cancer, I am always checking out my skin.

My best friend just went for one on her chest. They removed it same visit, results came back pre-cancerous, so she went back and they removed more tissue to ensure it was all gotten since the edges weren't "clean". Few stitches, results from that are fine.

Get checked, and get checked soon! As evidenced by my friend, early is better! Good luck!

[hedgehog]

5. Yay! Had it checked, it turned out to be nothing!

That's a load off my mind!

Always get these checked ASAP - if something's wrong, time is important, if not, why put up with all the worry!

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Same Thing Happened To Me

Doctor laser cut it (completely external) and turned out to be nothing.