Dermatologist appt tomorrow and I'm so scared!

I posted a while back about a couple of flesh colored raised bump/mole like things on my shoulder and chest. The one on my chest has never changed in 17 years and the one on my shoulder looks like the same as on my chest but has only been there about a year or so I think. I just can't stop worrying about what they are. I keep thinking the worst about it. I have an appt. tomorrow morning and I was going to cancel it several times today because I'm really scared about going and them telling me I have skin cancer and that I'm dying. May sound dramatic, but I worry like that about most of my Dr. appts. I just can't help it. I am such a worrier. I thought I would go to ease my mind, but now I'm so scared about going. I don't know anyone who has had skin cancer so to me it's horrible. I'm praying it turns out to be nothing, but what if it is skin cancer. Is that really bad? The internet is just scaring me. My husband told me to cancel the appt. because he said there is nothing wrong, but I know if I don't go, all I will do is continue to worry about it. The 2 spots don't look like anything to worry about, but in my head that's all I'm doing.

ETA: They are from sunburn

Message edited 7/6/2009 4:26:43 PM.

Re: Dermatologist appt tomorrow and I'm so scared!

You should definately go see the doctor so you know either way - if they were cancerous and you did nothing that's the worst option. I have had several bumps like you describe that my dermatologist said were nothing to be concerned about but you need an expert to tell you for sure - don't just guess. I wouldn't get yourself all worked up - doesn't sound like they fit the description I've heard, ie: sudden changes, uneven color and edges, etc. but you should get them looked at.

Re: Dermatologist appt tomorrow and I'm so scared!

I had a mark on my leg that DH noticed last summer; I kept putting it off and finally 3 weeks ago, I went to the dermatologist. Turns out it was a basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. I never realized how common it was until I asked a few people and spoke to the doctor. It really was not a big deal, they removed the bad skin cells and now it is healing. It took all of 5 minutes. Had I not gone, it could have built up and become worse. Now, due to my fair skin, I plan on getting checked regardless 1-2 times per year, even if I don't see any marks. It is always good to get it checked out, especially if you have the insurance, it's so worth it. Plus, if they see any sun damage that is not even on the surface, they can "zap" it.

Honestly, I do not think you have anything to worry about. As the other poster said, it's better to find out than do nothing. Even to hear the doctor say it's nothing, that's better than wondering. And if it is something, I would bet that it's nothing serious. As the nurse told me, when people hear "skin cancer" it freaks them out - understandable. But there are so many levels and chances are if it is, it's probably easily fixed. Good luck!!

Re: Dermatologist appt tomorrow and I'm so scared!

Re: Dermatologist appt tomorrow and I'm so scared!

Just checking in to see how your appointment went with the dermatologist. I hope everything is OK!