Possible melanoma long wait for biopsy

I first went to the doctors about 2 months ago about a mole that had grown and kept bleeding and leaking pus after I knocked it. The first doctor I saw told me it is a wart but did refer me to see I dermatologist who I saw at another gp practice a month later. He referred my under the 2 week wait scheme to the hospital to have a biopsy. That was a month ago. When ever I phone about my appointment I am told they are busy and it is a five or six week wait they hope I will be seen by the middle of February. In that time it has probably doubled in size and is always bleeding and leaking pus and sometimes my dressing leaks onto my clothes. I just hope I get seen soon and if it is melanoma the delay does not make a difference.

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about the mole you have and I can appreciate the concern you have especially as it is weeping and sore.

    Waiting to be seen can be a worry especially if you are waiting for several weeks. I am afraid that we cannot give you absolute reassurance that waiting will not make this worse. However, for most people, waiting a few more weeks will not cause any more harm.

    However, because the mole is bleeding and leaking pus you should make another GP appointment to get it checked out.  

    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.

    Yours sincerely,

    Caroline