How to get moles checked?? Where to go...

[Sweet Bliss]

I have loads and loads of moles and sun spots that really darkened during pregnancy and I gained loads more, and I am quite worried about some of them. I showed my GP who just glanced at a few and said they were all fine because she didn't consider them that dark. But I didn't think they had to always be dark to be a melanoma etc. Nearly all my spots and uneven edges etc, so I have no idea how I can keep a check on them all....and to top it off, every where i look i keep hearing stories about skin cancer and it feels like there are lots of signs telling me to do something about it!

Has anyone else gone to a private clinic to get them checked? Do you know how much it costs and what do they do to keep a check on them etc???

[Lolli]

Hi SB,

There are publicly funded (you claim the whole cost on Medicare) skin cancer clinics in most major cities. Where abouts are you? Maybe try a Google or yellow Pages search for skin cancer clinics. They'll do a thorough visual check and use a magnifier on any dodgy ones, and double check any that need investigating- either burning off small sun spots or removing moles.

HTH

[Indadhanu]

If you find a skin check clinic they usually (the ones I know of anyway) bulk bill their checks, and a lot operate within a medical practice, so maybe ring a few local surgeries and see if they operate a skin check clinic?

[Sweet Bliss]

Really! Thanks girls, I had no idea, I was expecting that I would have to fork out a huge sum of money, and I was worried that I would be pushed into removing moles just so they can make money. We are in regional vic, but I would be happy to go to Melbourne if I have to!

[Willow]

I'm going to be a downer and recommend that you go to a skin specialist instead.

I've seen and heard too many horror stories from those 'skin cancer clinics'. You should see the scar my MIL has on her back... looks like someone took to her with an axe, seriously.

I'm waiting till after I have bub and then getting a referral to a dermatologist.

[Lolli]

I've seen and heard too many horror stories from those 'skin cancer clinics'. You should see the scar my MIL has on her back... looks like someone took to her with an axe, seriously.

.

Yipes- really? That's a bit scary. I only know a few people who have been to one particular one and they raved about how great it was.

[Sweet Bliss]

So, if I got referred to a specialist would medicare cover part of the cost???? I have been googling and can't find anything nearby, so will speak with my GP I think...

[Willow]

LR - Yep, unfortunately. Both MIL and FIL used to go there. He has worked outdoors for years and years and is always getting them cut out and lasered etc. After that experience they went to a skin specialist and couldn't be happier. They've warned us all to stay away!

Another story off the top of my head is friend of ours had one removed from his nose at one of these clinics, was told it was all good and then went camping for a week or so. When he got back, the spot had returned and doubled in size. So he took himself off to the drs to get it double checked. Turns out it was a very aggressive melanoma and he was told if he'd left it much longer, he probably would have lost a huge part of his nose

SweetBliss - I would imagine medicare would cover part of the cost. Give them a call, they'll be able to help you.

[*Ash*]

I have had 2 skin cancers on my face. Both times, I noticed them. Both times, they were biopsied. With the first one, a GP removed it. With the second one, just recently, I had a plastic surgeion remove it. I still have the stitches in. The PS has done an amazing job and I am not at all worried about having a big ugly scar.

I see a GP who has a lot of experience with skin cancer patients. However, some GP's don't have these skills. If something is sus, you should have a biopsy. I always get a second opinion. So, if my GP has said he isn't concerned, I also go to my local Skin Cancer Clinic and have them check too. There are also some great web sites that show pictures of skin cancers and moles, and help you to identify what may be sus. But, if you are ever concerned, have the mole/spot/whatever checked.

Basically, you need to find someone that you can trust. It may take a few different appointments to find that someone, whether it be a skin cancer clinic or a GP or a dermatologist. I trust my GP's opinion but I am still proactive enough to get a second opinion sometimes.

I would also recommend seeing a plastic surgeon if you do need something large removed or something removed from your face. The GP who removed my first skin cancer did a bit of a hack job.

All the best...

[Sweet Bliss]

Ali- Thanks for the advice hon. I think you are right about looking into a ps if it went that far. The problem is that there are about 20 spots/moles that look suss to me!! I just want someone to thoroughly look at them and tell me what to look for etc. I have tried googling moles etc in the past, and it just scares the heck out of me and confuses me even more!!

[Salad]

great thread I was thinking of posting this exact question as well. after my pregnancy i have noticed some changes and wondered where to go.

[*Ash*]

HI SB,

During my last pregnancy, I noticed many pigmentation changes. It is normal for pigmentation to darken in pregnancy. However, your GP's comments that they didn't look dark enough to be a problem seems strange. I have a great female GP who I see for women's issues, but who is hopeless with skin cancer. When i got my first skin cancer 3 years ago, I showed it to her and she told me to go away and put moisturiser on it for 2 weeks and then come back if it hadn't gone away! When I went back in 2 weeks she booked a biopsy. Now if I have anything sus on my skin, i see a different GP who I just found through trial and error. He has many skin cancer and melanoma patients and would never look at a skin cancer and think it was just dry skin. That is the sort of person you need to find....

I initialy dismissed my recent skin cancer as a normal hormonal skin change that can occur in pregnancy. It looked like a sore that wouldn't heal. It looked as though I had gouged a piece of skin out with my fingernail. It would start to heal, and the next day, it would flare up again. I saw my GP when my DS was about 9 weeks old. He immediately recommended a biopsy.

If there is a skin cancer clinic near you, it may be a good idea to book in. Then you can make your own assessment of their competency. Ask specific questions. If they say 'that looks OK/normal' ask them 'how do you know it is fine/normal'. Point out specific spots that you are worried about, as well as having a full-body examination.

If you don't trust their advice or the explanations seem not to satisfy you, seek a second opinion from a GP (not your current one), or ask your GP for a referral to a dermatologist/skin specialist. Can you ask people in your community, at work, etc. where they go to have their skin checked?. As skin cancer is so common in Australia, ask people over 50 and you are bound to get some useful responses and recommendations of where to go.

Here is a link to a site that I found useful.
Skin Cancer Pictures Slideshow on MedicineNet.com

HTH.