Is she a nurse/medical person herself? They are great at denial when it comes to their own health... She DOES sounds fearful - has she a calm (female?) friend who could organise to accompany her to the GP? From your description, she will almost certainly be referred just in case. A relative of mine recently died of melanoma (or secondary tumours in the brain). He was a pasty Irishman who had done years of manual work outside. It wasn't a pleasant death (MRSA, dementia). Worst case scenario is the Big C - but as terrifying as that is, she needs to face the problem now rather than when her treatment options/chances are narrowed. Good luck, Reynolds and Reynolds' Mum!