Hi TJay and thank you for your post

I'm sorry you are worried about your mole.

Waiting for any length of time when you are worried can be stressful. Unfortunately, dermatology is a very busy department, and there can be long waiting times for appointments.

I am not sure if you can speed this up but if you have not already done this you could inform your GP.  They might be able to refer you to another hospital with a shorter waiting time.

Squamous cell carcinoma is classified as a non-melanoma skin cancer. These cancers typically do not spread. If they do, it's most often to the deeper layers of the skin. They can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body, but this is unusual.

You are right to check your skin for any changes that may occur.  As well as the  ABCDE  rule which I expect you have read about, there is also the idea of looking for the odd one out, that is a mole that doesn't look like all the others. And the NHS website has a mole assessment tool.   

It's understandable to feel anxious during this time. We often recommend visiting the NHS Every Mind Matters website or Anxiety UK    for tips on how to cope while you wait for more information.

I hope you know more soon and everything will be ok.

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.

Kind regards,

Tina

Hi TJay and thank you for your post

I'm sorry you are worried about your mole.

Waiting for any length of time when you are worried can be stressful. Unfortunately, dermatology is a very busy department, and there can be long waiting times for appointments.

I am not sure if you can speed this up but if you have not already done this you could inform your GP.  They might be able to refer you to another hospital with a shorter waiting time.

Squamous cell carcinoma is classified as a non-melanoma skin cancer. These cancers typically do not spread. If they do, it's most often to the deeper layers of the skin. They can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body, but this is unusual.

You are right to check your skin for any changes that may occur.  As well as the  ABCDE  rule which I expect you have read about, there is also the idea of looking for the odd one out, that is a mole that doesn't look like all the others. And the NHS website has a mole assessment tool.   

It's understandable to feel anxious during this time. We often recommend visiting the NHS Every Mind Matters website or Anxiety UK    for tips on how to cope while you wait for more information.

I hope you know more soon and everything will be ok.

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.

Kind regards,

Tina