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Waiting long time for 'urgent' referral for biopsy

RobXXXVIII
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Hello, 

I have a private yearly mole examination due to large number of 'a typical'ones and family history. 

In October this year a private demartologist noticed a red spot like Mark on abdomen I asked to be looked at said it could be pre-cancerous or have cancerous cells and would ask my GP for an urgent referral for a punch biopsy and to further have another mole removed. I have today (3 weeks later) just been given an appointment from the NHS hospital for mid July in 2025. Which when queried they said it is because they are down a surgeon. 

Is this extremely long wait normal or justified? It seems an excessive time to wait and I have checked how much it would be to have it done privately which us far too expensive as am self funded with no insurance. 

Am quite worried as have Anxieties anyway so health is a worry for me. 

Thanks 

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    Hi,

    I'm not a nurse but I've been a melanoma patient for many years. This is definitely far too long to wait for an appointment. I suggest you ask your GP is there is another hospital that they can refer you to that has a shorter waiting time. If a GP refers you, the first appointment is for the dermatologist to examine the mole & decide if it needs removing. An appointment for removal would then be made and these surgical appointments are currently averaging a 6 week wait at most hospitals. I hope your GP can find another hospital with a shorter waiting time to refer you to, otherwise I suggest you make a complaint to PALS at the hospital that's made the July appointment - use the fact that the private dermatologist recommends it be removed, especially with your history. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Hello Rob and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you have these anxieties around a referral for skin changes. Unfortunately, I am aware there are lengthy waiting lists, particularly in the dermatology (skin) departments.

    There are a few types of skin cancer, which behave in different ways in the body. This means they are assessed, triaged, and treated differently too.

    If you remain concerned then do speak to your GP, you could also contact the department and tell them you are happy to take last-minute cancellations, but there might not be anything else that can be done.

    Take care and if you want 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 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi AngieT thanks for the Advice about PALS, sent an email and they replied really quickly and now have been given a new appointment for January. So thanks as wouldn't have known to do that otherwise  

  • Offline in reply to RobXXXVIII

    I'm so pleased you have got a much earlier appointment. Have a good Christmas now & I hope all goes well. Please let us know how you get on.

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