Scared - Please help

Smudge · New User Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

Hello:
I am 32 years old and what I consider to be in pretty good physical condition. I recently went to the dermotologist for a checkup. I have never been to the dermotologist and went after a friend of mine told me that he goes yearly for a screening. The Doc ended up finding what he referred to as a "Atypical Nevus" on my back. I believe that it is the same thing as a mole. He ended up scraping it off and said that he would send it to the lab, and that I would have to wait 7-10 days for the results. He stated that it "could" be skin cancer. This obviously scared me. I asked him what I should do and he only stated that I would have to wait for the results. I do not have any family history of skin cancer in my family (he asked me if anyone else in my family had skin cancer). He stated that he only saw one suspicious mole. How often when one atypical nevus is discovered does it become an issue or cancer? I tried to ask him some of these questions, but he only told me not to worry and he seemed rushed, and not wanting to get into a full explanation.
THe thought of cancer scares me. Can anyone tell me what to expect and possible percentages that only one atypical nevus turns out to be cancer? Thank you very much

SherlockHolmes · Regular Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 10

You need to get a new doctor -- one that will take more time to talk with you about something that can be really scary! I don't know all that much about skin cancer, but hang in there - it sounds like the mole was discovered early enough that if it's cancerous or precancerous, it can be safely removed.
Best Wishes!

clairelou · Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 5:39 am Post subject: Re: Scared - Please help

hi there

the thought of cancer is the scariest thing in the world, i agree with the above, maybe you should seek another doctor who will take time to help you understand more.

like you i am fair and in good physical condition, with no history of cancer in my family.

i was diagnosed with malignant melanoma recently and have undergone my second surgery on monday.

please try not to fear and be afraid, the word is scary, but whatever the outccome it can be dealt with, i am living now with cancer and it can be managed with a positive and comfortable attitude.

here for you if you need to talk

clairelouiseledger@hotmail.com

hope all goes well, you are in my thoughts

love

claire x x
_________________
always believe in miracles

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