New Mole

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    • March 19, 2015 at 3:55 pm
    Navy wife
    Participant

      My name is Tiffany and I am a wife and mother to four children. I am temporarily living with my parents while my husband is deployed.

      I have atypical mole syndrome and a family history of melanoma. No melanoma yet, but I have been told to "brace myself." That being said, I have been extra vigilant with my moles…(self checks, mole mapping, routine derm appts).

      Three weeks ago I gave birth to my fourth child. When I arrived home from the hospital, I did my monthly self check and noticed a new mole. The mole itself is completely unremarkable. Especially compared to my severely atypical moles. Basically saying, it does not fit any of the ABCDE criteria and is less that 2mm.

      However, I am over 30 (32 to be exact). Some of my derms have said any new mole after the after of 30 warrants a biopsy… Others have said after the age of 40. Typically, I would run into the dermatology office regardless, but my husband comes home in less than a month and we are moving back to where I have a dermatology doctor. I can get a referral and visit to a temporary local derm where my parents are, but I wonder if that is totally necessary seeing as there is nothing remarkable about this mole.

      I I am just curious what you all have done with new moles after the age of 30.

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    • Replies
        • March 19, 2015 at 4:40 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          I know many who have had new moles after 30 – I don't think that criteria alone is enough to warrant a biopsy especially when you have DNS.  People with DNS often continue to get moles throughout their lives, I doubt it stops at 30 for you.  My "mole mapping" doctor who's specialty is those with DNS says:  "new and unremarkable or like my other moles" is fine.  "New and ugly duckling" deserves a biopsy.  I'd probably snap a photo of it for monitoring and wait until I see my regular derm.  In the end, you have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

          • March 19, 2015 at 4:40 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            I know many who have had new moles after 30 – I don't think that criteria alone is enough to warrant a biopsy especially when you have DNS.  People with DNS often continue to get moles throughout their lives, I doubt it stops at 30 for you.  My "mole mapping" doctor who's specialty is those with DNS says:  "new and unremarkable or like my other moles" is fine.  "New and ugly duckling" deserves a biopsy.  I'd probably snap a photo of it for monitoring and wait until I see my regular derm.  In the end, you have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

            • March 19, 2015 at 4:40 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              I know many who have had new moles after 30 – I don't think that criteria alone is enough to warrant a biopsy especially when you have DNS.  People with DNS often continue to get moles throughout their lives, I doubt it stops at 30 for you.  My "mole mapping" doctor who's specialty is those with DNS says:  "new and unremarkable or like my other moles" is fine.  "New and ugly duckling" deserves a biopsy.  I'd probably snap a photo of it for monitoring and wait until I see my regular derm.  In the end, you have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

                • March 19, 2015 at 6:16 pm
                Navy wife
                Participant

                  In the military healthcare system, I typically never see the same dermatolgist. There is always someone new at the base clinic. That being said, I get several opinions from several different derms. Most would agree with your "mole mapping" doctor. I have just had a few dermatologist who have been more aggressive… And not always in a good way. They typically want to remove anything and everything on my body. Thankfully… Baseline photographs have saved my poor body from biopsey after biopsey! And has also given me more control during my self exams. But, I was not sure if there was any new info on this supject. Thanks!

                  • March 19, 2015 at 6:16 pm
                  Navy wife
                  Participant

                    In the military healthcare system, I typically never see the same dermatolgist. There is always someone new at the base clinic. That being said, I get several opinions from several different derms. Most would agree with your "mole mapping" doctor. I have just had a few dermatologist who have been more aggressive… And not always in a good way. They typically want to remove anything and everything on my body. Thankfully… Baseline photographs have saved my poor body from biopsey after biopsey! And has also given me more control during my self exams. But, I was not sure if there was any new info on this supject. Thanks!

                    • March 19, 2015 at 6:16 pm
                    Navy wife
                    Participant

                      In the military healthcare system, I typically never see the same dermatolgist. There is always someone new at the base clinic. That being said, I get several opinions from several different derms. Most would agree with your "mole mapping" doctor. I have just had a few dermatologist who have been more aggressive… And not always in a good way. They typically want to remove anything and everything on my body. Thankfully… Baseline photographs have saved my poor body from biopsey after biopsey! And has also given me more control during my self exams. But, I was not sure if there was any new info on this supject. Thanks!

                    • March 21, 2015 at 4:45 am
                    casagrayson
                    Participant

                      Tiffany,

                      I just wanted to say congratulations on the birth of your fourth (!) baby!  I'm sorry you are having to do this while your husband is deployed — military wives must be the strongest people on the planet.  Please thank your husband for his service when he gets home!

                      Susan

                      • March 21, 2015 at 4:45 am
                      casagrayson
                      Participant

                        Tiffany,

                        I just wanted to say congratulations on the birth of your fourth (!) baby!  I'm sorry you are having to do this while your husband is deployed — military wives must be the strongest people on the planet.  Please thank your husband for his service when he gets home!

                        Susan

                        • March 21, 2015 at 4:45 am
                        casagrayson
                        Participant

                          Tiffany,

                          I just wanted to say congratulations on the birth of your fourth (!) baby!  I'm sorry you are having to do this while your husband is deployed — military wives must be the strongest people on the planet.  Please thank your husband for his service when he gets home!

                          Susan

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