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should I remove my moles?
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should I remove my moles?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › should I remove my moles?

  • Post
    • November 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm
    Karolina
    Participant

      Hi,

      since I have found out that my friend has a nodular melanoma, i started to be more concerned about myself as well. I have quite a lot of moles on my body and I was wondering whether it would be good to remove any of them which are kind of the biggest or the most "different"? Would removing moles prevent potential develop of melanoma?

      Hi,

      since I have found out that my friend has a nodular melanoma, i started to be more concerned about myself as well. I have quite a lot of moles on my body and I was wondering whether it would be good to remove any of them which are kind of the biggest or the most "different"? Would removing moles prevent potential develop of melanoma?

      I saw a melanoma specialist last week and she didn’t suspect anything at the moment. She referred me to the photographer as she thinks that this is a good way of monitoring my moles: to have some pictures of my moles as a base for comparison of any changes. Sounds sensible… However, I was wondering if by removing two moles which I have on my back and which are prominent would be something right to do?

      your views are very welcome

      k.

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • November 8, 2011 at 3:04 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          Since half of melanomas appear in new moles, wholesale removal of existing moles is not a good way to prevent melanoma.  Truthfully, taking photos of your existing moles and then watching them for CHANGE is the best way to take care of yourself.  Get the pictures and then do a monthly skin check using the pictures for comparison.  Make sure the pictures also have an "overall" view (i.e. left front lower leg) so you have a baseline against new as well.  New moles that look like your other moles aren't considered suspicious.  But new and changing asymetrically or new and "different from all the others" are the keys to watch for.  Be vigilant, not paranoid.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

            • November 8, 2011 at 3:13 pm
            Karolina
            Participant

              Janner,

              thank you for your response. i think you are right that i am being a bit paranoid as since I saw the lady last week, i feel like all my moles itching!

              k

              • November 9, 2011 at 12:32 pm
              Hereiam
              Participant

                Dear Karolina,

                It is understandable, that you are scared to have melanoma as your friend recently got it, but a lat of people every day are diagnosed to have a melanoma. And a lot of people are diagnosed with various other diseases. It cannot prevent you from normal life, cuz otherwise you`ll have to live in fear all the time!

                I agree that moles should be photographed, as this is one of the most reasonable ways how to monitore them, but I disagree with the opinion that you should do monthly skin check-ups. It is done for melanoma patiens, not for healthy people! Once a year is enough and very advisable.

                So be cautious, but not obsessed with this.

                Take care.

                • November 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm
                Karolina
                Participant

                  thank you for your response. i think it will be sensible if i will do my skin check every 3-4 months…. i agree that one a month may be a bit too often….

                  k

                  • November 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm
                  Karolina
                  Participant

                    thank you for your response. i think it will be sensible if i will do my skin check every 3-4 months…. i agree that one a month may be a bit too often….

                    k

                    • November 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm
                    Karolina
                    Participant

                      thank you for your response. i think it will be sensible if i will do my skin check every 3-4 months…. i agree that one a month may be a bit too often….

                      k

                      • November 9, 2011 at 12:32 pm
                      Hereiam
                      Participant

                        Dear Karolina,

                        It is understandable, that you are scared to have melanoma as your friend recently got it, but a lat of people every day are diagnosed to have a melanoma. And a lot of people are diagnosed with various other diseases. It cannot prevent you from normal life, cuz otherwise you`ll have to live in fear all the time!

                        I agree that moles should be photographed, as this is one of the most reasonable ways how to monitore them, but I disagree with the opinion that you should do monthly skin check-ups. It is done for melanoma patiens, not for healthy people! Once a year is enough and very advisable.

                        So be cautious, but not obsessed with this.

                        Take care.

                        • November 9, 2011 at 12:32 pm
                        Hereiam
                        Participant

                          Dear Karolina,

                          It is understandable, that you are scared to have melanoma as your friend recently got it, but a lat of people every day are diagnosed to have a melanoma. And a lot of people are diagnosed with various other diseases. It cannot prevent you from normal life, cuz otherwise you`ll have to live in fear all the time!

                          I agree that moles should be photographed, as this is one of the most reasonable ways how to monitore them, but I disagree with the opinion that you should do monthly skin check-ups. It is done for melanoma patiens, not for healthy people! Once a year is enough and very advisable.

                          So be cautious, but not obsessed with this.

                          Take care.

                          • November 8, 2011 at 3:13 pm
                          Karolina
                          Participant

                            Janner,

                            thank you for your response. i think you are right that i am being a bit paranoid as since I saw the lady last week, i feel like all my moles itching!

                            k

                            • November 8, 2011 at 3:13 pm
                            Karolina
                            Participant

                              Janner,

                              thank you for your response. i think you are right that i am being a bit paranoid as since I saw the lady last week, i feel like all my moles itching!

                              k

                            • November 8, 2011 at 3:04 pm
                            Janner
                            Participant

                              Since half of melanomas appear in new moles, wholesale removal of existing moles is not a good way to prevent melanoma.  Truthfully, taking photos of your existing moles and then watching them for CHANGE is the best way to take care of yourself.  Get the pictures and then do a monthly skin check using the pictures for comparison.  Make sure the pictures also have an "overall" view (i.e. left front lower leg) so you have a baseline against new as well.  New moles that look like your other moles aren't considered suspicious.  But new and changing asymetrically or new and "different from all the others" are the keys to watch for.  Be vigilant, not paranoid.

                              Best wishes,

                              Janner

                              • November 8, 2011 at 3:04 pm
                              Janner
                              Participant

                                Since half of melanomas appear in new moles, wholesale removal of existing moles is not a good way to prevent melanoma.  Truthfully, taking photos of your existing moles and then watching them for CHANGE is the best way to take care of yourself.  Get the pictures and then do a monthly skin check using the pictures for comparison.  Make sure the pictures also have an "overall" view (i.e. left front lower leg) so you have a baseline against new as well.  New moles that look like your other moles aren't considered suspicious.  But new and changing asymetrically or new and "different from all the others" are the keys to watch for.  Be vigilant, not paranoid.

                                Best wishes,

                                Janner

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