Phone call to go back after mole removal op

Hello 

I have just had a phone call from the receptionist to say that the doctor would like to see me for a follow up appointment tomorrow to discuss my results after my mole removal op.

I am so scared, they said i would hear back within 3 weeks but didnt say about a follow up appointment.

I am really thinking the worst.

Is this normal procedure? 

  • Hello,

    Thanks for posting. Sorry to hear about the anxiety this is causing. It's impossible to tell whether it's good or bad news from the fact they want to see you, as it depends on the doctor. When I had my mole removed, I specifically asked the nurses if I'll be called back for an appointment 'even if it's nothing'. And she told me that I might be - she said something along the lines of it depends on the doctor, some like to just discharge by a letter whereas others like to see someone in person to give them a one last look.

    The results could also be anything on a spectrum. Even if the results are fine, the mole might be dysplastic (which is nothing to worry about in itself), but it means they might wish to see you one last time to explain what the results mean and review your other moles.

    Moles can also be pre-cancerous or caught in-situ, which sounds scary, but these scenarios typically mean they've been caught early enough that no further treatment is needed (sometimes they might wish to remove a slightly wider margin of skin), but overall prognosis for these types is excellent. However, results like this also need to be explained in person.

    I really hope your appointment tomorrow goes OK, and I'm keeping everything crossed for you.

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    Your doctor may well wish to speak with you about this anyway, regardless of what the result might be. If the mole removal did indicate a type of skin cancer, then the GP would need to refer you to see a dermatologist at the hospital for specialist advice.

    Skin cancers are usually treated by surgical removal, and often no further treatment is required, as they are often successfully treated.

    We have information on this here,

    www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../skin-cancer

    I hope that you get to find out more soon,

    Kind regards,

    Vanda