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Biopsy results

Soaks
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I went to hospital last week and saw dermatologist about my mole. He said he would do an excision biopsy but thought I would need further treatment. I asked him if it could be cancerous and he said it would very probably be. They did the biopsy there and then and have now told me I have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for result. I was a little overwhelmed when I was having appointment and didn't ask many questions. Does 6 to 8 weeks seem a long time? Or is this normal? I must admit am getting a little anxious about it.

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    Hi Soaks, I had two moles removed a week ago that showed "some changes" and have also been told 4-6 weeks for results. It really seems like a long time! Ive also just been diagnosed with breast cancer and am due to start chemo in the next few weeks. I need to know if treatment for one will affect treatment for the other, and if so, which is more urgent. I am hoping the mole biopsies will come back clear but until I know for sure the anxiety and waiting are overwhelming sometimes. Other times I feel quite calm. It's a real rollercoaster. Try calling the department and see if someone can answer your questions. In the meantime keep busy and distracted and stay away from Dr Google. That's all I can advise. Will be thinking of you and praying for the best outcome. Amy 

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    Hi 

    My son had a growth like mole removed, it had grown and bleeding lots, it was sent away for testing, he had it done on 14th June and I got the results bk 3 days ago, nothing sinister (phew) so ruffly it was 8weeks. Hope this helps and wishing you well.

     

    Anna x ️

  • Hello Soaks and thanks for posting,

    Biopsy results can sometimes take quite a few weeks to come back in the NHS, how long can depend on the capacity in the local system so it can vary from one area to another, but waiting is invariably unsettling. Bear in mind that the excisional biopsy to remove the mole is a component of treatment should melanoma (cancer) be confirmed.

    Do give us a ring if you want to talk anything over, the number is 0808 800 4040 and we are here from 9-5 weekdays, 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

  • in reply to Amy321

    Hello Amy and thanks you for posting,

    If either of these moles turns out to be a melanoma (skin cancer), the second step after an excisional biopsy (which has already been done) is to take away a bit more tissue from where the mole was and then in some situations (not all) also sample a lymph node near by. So more surgery could be necessary, but then again if the biopsy results come back ok nothing more would be need to be done. After surgery depending on the size and extent of a melanoma further treatment with medicines may be recommended, but it isn't always. 

    Although I can understand you looking ahead and wondering, I think for now it is probably best to take it one step at a time. There is no harm in letting your breast team know what is going on if they don't already know. Occasionally people are diagnosed with two different primary cancers at roughly the same time and doctors have to sort out how best to treat them both, they can usually work around it, but hopefully this won't be necessary.

    Give us a call if you want to talk anything over on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are around weekdays 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

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