Ugh. I need help being brought back to reality

[enc123]

So I've had a fear of melanoma for a few months now, thanks to my usage of tanning beds (used them just over 100 times).  I noticed a really shiny black something on my chest and thought it was just something that got stuck on my skin.  I thought maybe it was a fleck of black paint or something.  It was flat and I got it off, but it was attached to my skin.  Not something I just wiped off.  I've been really diligent about checking my skin (sometimes every day, sometimes every week or two) and go to the dermatologist when I have a question about a spot.  Since it caught my eye right before I got in the shower (I wasn't even doing a skin check), I imagine it couldn't have been there for very long, but my mind is playing tricks on me. 

Also, I have a dermatofibroma that hasn't changed, but I've read of maybe four women that were first diagnosed that, but turned out to be like advanced melanoma.  Theirs kept changing though.  My dermatologist doesn't recommend a biopsy because of the long scar I'd get.  I need a reality check, please.  I can't go one hour without thinking about this.

[Fenway77]

First of all...just because something bad happened to some of the women you read about on the internet doesn't mean anything in regards to your story.  You mention a handful of stories...but what about all of the instances where it was just something normal?  The odds of being a "cautionary tale" are far, far, far greater than being one.  Secondly, you've had YOUR dermatologist look at it.  You need to try and find trust in that.  Your dermatologist knows what to look for.  If a concern of the scar it would leave behind was the major reason for not doing a biopsy then take heart in that.  If your dermatologist had even the faintest shred of concern they wouldn't have thought twice about the scar it would leave behind...they'd take it off and make sure it was benign.  I know how hard it is to not worry about such things...but you're doing the right thing: stay diligent with the self-checks and stay diligent with your exams.  You're going to be okay!  Hang in there.