It's impossible to second guess what they are going to tell you but if it's a new mole and it's already been excised if it is anything there's a good chance it's been caught early. My partner's had been changing for about 6 years before we realised it needed checking and the only reason we know how long ago it started to change is from family pics. You've done the right thing getting it checked quickly. I hope it was benign x

Hi Gabby,

I am not a nurse but I have been a melanoma patient for many years.

Unfortunately the waiting time for receiving biopsy results is taking longer - it varies across the UK but it's usually between 4 to 8 weeks. Some hospitals think ahead & send out an appointment for a few weeks after the biopsy. This is to give the results time to be received & discussed at the MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team Meeting) before being given to the patient. All results, both negative & positive, are discussed at the meeting which is attended by consultants from Dermatology, Plastics and Oncology and specialist nurses. They decide on the next step for each patient - discharge if negative or treatment if positive. Because the results take so long to be received, most hospitals like to already have an appointment lined up to save time. I hope this explains the reason for the delayed results & why you have received a text appointment through for in 10 days time.

Many consultants like to see their patients face to face to give results, good or bad, so it's impossible to say what they will be until you get there. 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health which will hopefully be what happens in your case. If it is melanoma, most cases are found very early and are successfully treated so try to not think the worst. Keep yourself distracted & good luck. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hello and thank you for your post,

I can appreciate that this must be a worrying time for you, waiting for results is never easy.

I am sorry but you can't read anything into how long you are waiting for the results to get to you.  We know that across the UK many people are waiting longer, however, this still does not mean you necessarily have cancer.

If you can try to take your mind off this by keeping busy and don't go online for information that might cause you more stress and worry.  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 

Thanks for the reply, I’m just so sick with worry. The waiting is terrible, I can’t concentrate. I’m trying to be positive . I hope your partner is doing well. 

Most people I've spoken to say that the waiting on results is really one of the hardest parts. Once people get results back at least plans can be put in place. It really is horrible. I'm sorry you've got another week of waiting and trying to hold it together. Got everything crossed it was benign x

Hi thank you for your reply I appreciate your advice. 
I went in yesterday morning and was diagnosed with stage 1B melanoma. 
I haven’t stopped crying. They said they cut it out and they are going to cut more skin around my scar. 
im just so worried about it all. I’m trying to stay positive but my worst fear has come true, I just turned 30 as well so I’m abit of a mess atm. 
thank you. 

Hi Gabby,

I'm sorry to hear that it's melanoma. At Stage1b you have caught it early and there is an almost 100% chance that the surgery will deal with it effectively and you will have no further problem. You will also be shown how to regularly check yourself for any new or changing moles and any lumps in the node areas of the body. I suggest you put aside 10 minutes on the 1st of every month so you don't forget. I will send you a friend request so that, if you wish, we can chat & I can answer any questions you might have.

Meanwhile, to help with the anxiety whilst waiting for the Wide Local Excision, try some meditation, Mindfulness or yoga - there are plenty of videos on YouTube & it does help to calm & distract yourself for a while. There are also very good resources available to access for questions to be answered by melanoma nurses https://melanomafocus.org/melanoma-helpline/ or for counselling if anxiety starts to become a big problem  https://melanoma-me.org.uk/

You're not alone and you will get through this, believe me.

Angie x

Hi Gabby,

I am sorry to learn that your biopsy result did show a melanoma, I can appreciate this is a worrying time for you.

As Angie has said the melanoma has been found at an early stage, with the aim of the treatment being to get rid of it completely. Still, I imagine it was a shock for you to be told your diagnosis.

Angie has offered some excellent advice to help you through this time. You are also very welcome to call the nurse helpline if you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses,  on freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care Gabby

Jemma