Melanoma fears??
I've been doing so good with my HA, so of course this fear has to pop up.
I have a spot on my left leg, about 6 inches below my hip. It's fairly small - no bigger than half an inch - pink, and bumpy.
When I first saw it, I assumed it was a spider bite or ringworm, as it kind of looked like some episodes of ringworm I had in the past. Of course, back then we had a cat with ringworm and now we don't, and it was summer but now it's winter so I don't know where it would be coming from.
It's been a couple of weeks and I looked at it again in the shower. There's no change to it, but I'm concerned that it's still there. After hearing of someone dying recently of melanoma and a family friend saying "yeah, that disease takes you quick" the thought crossed my mind and I panicked.
So, trying to be level headed, I Google searched (BIG mistake) thinking the images that came up would just be of dark mole-looking things and I'd feel better. Of course, images of little pink, scaly circles came up as well -- so now I'm terrified!!!!!
I'm 23 years old, female. I'm fairly pale but I honestly don't spend too much time in the sun without sunscreen. I've had a few episodes of burning in the past and learned my lesson. In general, I rarely burn. I don't go to tanning salons or anything like that, and I know my parents and other family members have had moles removed, but not when they were my age.
What do I do? Give in and go to the doctor? Is it silly that I'm panicking like this? Also - I'm super nervous about a doctor visit because of the spot's location - it's cold so I can't just wear shorts, meaning I have to wear pants and pull them down (I have a male doctor, am I right in thinking that this is awkward)?
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