CancerCompass message board discussion started by Softygirl on 6/10/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,13084,0.htm Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Here is my story, I am 24 and I have tanned since I was 15. About two years ago, I got what I thought was the start of a mole on my right arm. I never thought any thing of it. With going through college and life keeping you very busy, I just assumed it was a mole. Well, on my way to work one morning, I heard an add for skin cancer. They were describing it, and how common it is. I thought about the mole on my arm. Its firm, and not soft like my other two moles I have. Its very soft over the top, and pinkish to light red and a very light red at that in color. It does not hurt, and is not irregular or very big. After doing research though, I saw a couple pics that it kinda looks like. Should I be worried? Is it cancer? Am I in bad shape, like has it spread if it is cancer, since I thought it was a regular mole this whole time (2 years)? Any advice is very welcome!! Please! Softygirl Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT You absolutely MUST visit your doctor and let him/her check it for you. If it is a cancer, early detection is paramount. My son has just been diagnosed with SCC skin cancer. This form of cancer has a + 95% survival rate if detected early.... He avoided the doctor for a long time (he was scared of getting possible bad news - perhaps as you are too)... The only problem is that by delaying, if you do have cancer, you are giving the cancer more time to spread.. and increasing the chances of a secondary (and possible fatal) cancer taking hold. As a result of my son delaying having his dealt with early, he is now going to lose his ear (...we pray that is all he loses!)  PLEASE go and have your mole checked!! Worriedmother! Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 6/25/2007 Worriedmother! wrote:You absolutely MUST visit your doctor and let him/her check it for you. If it is a cancer, early detection is paramount. My son has just been diagnosed with SCC skin cancer. This form of cancer has a + 95% survival rate if detected early.... He avoided the doctor for a long time (he was scared of getting possible bad news - perhaps as you are too)... The only problem is that by delaying, if you do have cancer, you are giving the cancer more time to spread.. and increasing the chances of a secondary (and possible fatal) cancer taking hold. As a result of my son delaying having his dealt with early, he is now going to lose his ear (...we pray that is all he loses!)  PLEASE go and have your mole checked!! What did your sons spot look like?  I have an appointment on Thursday for a screening.  I am only curious what his spot looked like and how big to compare it to mine.  Thanks for the advice! Softygirl Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT His started out as a small, crusty sore inside his ear - first noticed approx Nov 06. He did visit a doctor in Feb 07.. to be told it would not be cancerous "..you are too young..") The doctor gave his a script for anti-fungal cream. Needless to say, that didn't work. What started as a small, scaly sore is now a large, bulous mass (tumour) that fills most of the ear cavity. It weeps/oozes constantly. The delay in diagnosis has been very significant. Hence, it is essential that you visit a doctor.. and if you are not comfortable with the diagnosis, or if the sore/mole continues an abnormal development path  then don't hesitate to get a second opinion!! Worriedmother! Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT