Mole Check

[mattbuddy]

I am going in tomorrow to the dermatologist to get a mole check because my family has a history of skin cancer. My mom had it twice and just recently got it again in July, but she always catches it in the early stages.

So, I am going in tomorrow for a mole check... how do they do a mole check? Do they just make you stand there as they get a magnifying glass type device and make sure no freckles are bad?

I've never gotten one done, so I am just curious at what I should expect.

 

[college777]

they will usually look at you from head to toe. they will look at you and if they see any moles that are interesting they will look at them using a small magnifiying device. If they suspect anything they may schedule a mole to me removed and analyzed. I have had 2 removed that turned out to be nothing but the dermatologist just didn't like they way they looked

 

[HellsKitchenmanNYC]

I'm glad this thread was started and I'll check back. I do't have any insurance and am curious as I have a bunch of moles I'd like looked atand removed.

 

[w2m4m]

Ive had skin cancer from a scab on my head ( LOL, my real head....that was a good one )that would not heal. Moles are usually gone for good once removed, but if you have a history of Cancer it is good to make regular visits to your doctor.

 

[deleted3782]

I had a mole check *many* years ago. My dad had issues with cancerous moles, I guess I have inherited that issue from him. They found one that was suspicious, and the doc had it removed and biopsied. I had a few stitches when I left the office, though I forget what the prognosis was.

It was pretty standard...just a thorough check of skin surface.

 

[D_CountdeGrandePinja]

Not to worry - it's always good and smart to be checked out on a regular basis especially if there is a family history.

They may do a biopsy - which is a normal procedure, again - not to worry.

 

[prepstudinsc]

I'm not a freckled/moled person, I only have a few freckles on my whole body, and one beauty mark on the side of my nose. Last year, I discovered a discolored spot on my foot--it looked like a freckle, but it grew over the course of 6-8 months. I went to my doctor to look at it, he sent me to a dermotologist who took a little biopsy of it and ran tests. It came back that it was a rare, but benign type of mole. The spot where he took the biopsy hurt for about a day, but that was the worst part. I think that most doctors will check you out and see if you have any suspicious spots, take some biopsies of them and send you on your way.

 

[mattbuddy]

Sweet - sounds really easy. Thanks for your replies guys! :redface: