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Results sent off to another Trust for a second opinion

Sarahlou1989
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Hi, 

I had a really small mole removed at the beginning of September as it had doubled in size and had black developing in the center , I had it removed the same week and they told me it would take 2 weeks for results. It's been 3 1/2 weeks now so   I rang and spoke to the medical secretary and she said it's taking longer as they have sent it to another Trust (bigger and more specialised as I know the area ) for a second opinion . 

What does this mean , I'm not a worrier but slightly panicked now , 

 

Thanks in advance 

 

Sarah 

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    Hi Sarah,

    I'm not a nurse but I have many years experience as a melanoma patient. I know several patients whose biopsy sample was been sent to a second or even a third hospital trust for their opinion. It's usually because the cell structure in the sample doesn't make it obvious as to whether it's malignant or benign. If there is any doubt, they always get another opinion from a histology department more experienced in this problem. I hope you aren't waiting too long for your results and that they bring you good news.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you for responding ! I'm sure everything will come back okay but it's just a bit worrying , I'm hoping they're just being over cautious! Hope you're doing okay too ! 

  • Hello Sarah and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear that you are waiting for the result of a mole after it was removed.

    Sometimes biopsies need to be seen by another team of specialist pathologists. This does not necessarily mean you have cancer. 

    We know that people are waiting longer for their results across the whole of the UK and getting another opinion might make the process longer. But what is being done is to make sure the right diagnosis is made, it still does not necessarily mean you have cancer. 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

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