Mole Changes After Radiation

LW0919

Just curious if anyone here experienced mole changes after radiation?   During radiation, the burn from it went all the way through and burned on my shoulder blade.  Since finishing radiation in early September, I've had a mole to change in appearance.  It's larger, raised up and now painful to the touch.  During my follow up with my oncologist last week, I mentioned it and now have been referred to a dermatologist.  I see them on Tuesday.  I had one grandmother die from melanoma 35 years ago and my other grandma died from breast cancer 22 years ago.  The mole kind of has me a little worried.  I have lots of them but this is the first time I've had one to change in shape and size and to cause pain.  Anyone else to offer some insight?

Lilyluv

Hi LW0, Funny you mentioned this because I'm wondering about that too.   There's a couple of new little raised black moles since rads, so I asked the nurse if those were tattoos and they weren't.  They don't hurt though.  Good you're having it checked out if there's a family history. Hoping someone can answer this question. 

Kicks

See the Dermotologist!

I have no HX with melomonas but do have a little with other skin cancers (BCC/SCC/SCIS).   The sooner addressed the better.  

I've had pre-canceerous lesions burned/frozen off for years.  I'm very 'light' and have spent a LOT of time outside ALL my life.  In July, there were 3 areas that had been burned off twice already so my PA sent me for biopsies.  Arm was Basal Cell, right cheek Squamous Cell and left cheek Squamous Cell in Situ and were surgically removed with good margins.   Now I'm waiting (since Thurs) for the path. on 2 more biopsies on face.

The Skin is actually our largest organ so it's imparative to be diligent with it.

Holeinone

LW, 

I finished rads a month ago. Lots of moles. I have also noticed they have became raised, very dry & scaly. Since paying the deductible for this year, I figure a dermatologists appt. was a smart thing to do.

Kicks

Not all skin cancers show up as dark 'moles'.   My pre-cancerous lesions over many years, recently BCC, SCC, and SCIS have basically been small areas that are slightly raised, 'skin colored' and 'flakey'.

When the path reports are back, I'll find out the TX plan.  At the very least, I'll see him in 6 mths if nothing else 'shows up'.

Not trying to hi-jack this thread away from moles but to remind that all skin cancer is not melomona and needs to be addressed rather than ignoring.  Especially for us 'oldsters' or 'outdoor' women - the sun has done it's damage over years on our skin back in the days when there were no sunscreens and  only now is the damage raising it's ugly head.  Do I intend to stay inside out o the sun - NO!  But I will be careful to use sunscreen and wear hats (I HATE wearing a hat! but will!)

Be vigilant with your skin!

OK - I'll get off my new 'soapbox' (at least for now).

LW0919

Thanks y'all.  I've looked online at pics of moles trying to "pre-determine" what they will say.  I have no clue, so I will leave the diagnosis to the Dr.  Hopefully it's nothing!