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Just realized how this Awfully looks like melanoma. Red spot next to it is a mosquito bite. My dermatologist said to come back in six months to check it again. What are your thoughts? (ps: I suffer from extreme health anxiety)
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In my opinion, it doesn't look like anything to be worried about. I'm assuming you've had the mole for a while and it hasn't drastically changed in shape or size recently.

It's fairly light with consistent colouration which is a good sign. I can also see hair growing out of the mole, which is a good sign as it means the cells are healthy and working as they should. It doesn't look too big either when I compare it to your thumbnail in the same picture.

I don't think you need to get another opinion from another derm.

That said, if you're going to worry about for 6 months, you can always get a biopsy done (it's quick, easy and minor) just to save you the worry.

In any case, do keep an eye on it and look out for a change in shape every month or so. Take a picture of it with a ruler (the scale is important) and save it so you can check back to see if it grows. Don't obsess over it though! Once a month is fine.

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That's no problem!

I really really don't think there's anything to worry about. If there were even the tiniest a shred of doubt in your derm's mind, they'd recommend removal. Your derm must have been absolutely 100% sure that this is nothing to worry about.

If it's going to worry you and send your anxiety into overdrive, though, it might be worth considering a removal for peace of mind. It's a very minor, simple and painless procedure.

The only real downside is that you'd probably have to cover the cost yourself as it'd likely be considered more of a cosmetic procedure than something that's medically necessary. It still might be worth looking into if it's going to save you a ton of stress. :)

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That's ok, I'm glad about the second opinion. Hopefully that'll help settle any anxieties. You can have a think of any extra questions you might want to ask as well that you maybe didn't think of the first time round!

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions along the way - I had an 'unusual' mole looked at by several dermatologists over the course of several years, and finally had it excised a few months ago (it was benign!) so am happy to answer any questions. :)

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4 years ago