High grade melanoma

My husband has been referred to plastics following an appointment, that was to assess a small legion on his forehead.

he has an appointment on Monday. He’s just been on line to order his medication and has seen a letter, which says high grade melanoma and that the letter should not be uploaded to his medical notes as he may not know the diagnosis.

what does this mean? 

thank you. Jan 

  • Hi there Jan and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your husband and that he saw a medical report on his NHS record before speaking with his doctor.

    I hope by now your husband has had his appointment and you both have a better understanding of the results and what this means for him moving forwards.

    Please get back in touch if you would like to ask any more questions or speak to one of us on the phone. Our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here weekdays 9-5.

    Wishing you both all the best

    Naomi

  • The same thing has just happened to me. I attended a teledermatoldoy appointment last week and received an email to say they would refer me for an urgent plastics team appointment. The first appointment being a consultation, checking details, examination with the aim of biopsy and/or removal of lesion. 

    I too went into my NHS app today and saw the same thing  regarding patient information. The recommendation was: suspicious high grade skin cancer. I am now worried sick and feel in turmoil and can now only think the worst. What a shock! 

  • Hello JennyRobin and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you read about the potential results of your biopsy in this way and I can imagine that it must have been unsettling.

    Do let the doctors know about this when you see them. The doctors will know more when the results are back from pathology and the doctor has had a chance to look at the tissue under a microscope.

    If you do want to complain you could contact Pals and let them know.

    Try not to overthink it for now.

    You are welcome to ring and chat this through with one of the helpline nurses. The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Thank you Catherine. 

    I have spoken to my GP and she has tried to explain a little. She also mentioned she will raise this issue, which I think is a good thing as it's extremely distressing. 

    It was the wording 'high grade' which was the most upsetting and confusing. I am presuming this wording means a more severe skin cancer than some. 

    I have been told the wait is 28 days before the consultation so it's going to be a long one but in the meantime, I will try my best to keep calm.

    Thank you for your support and advice. 

  • Hi I’m also in hell waiting for diagnosis from a suspected serious skin cancer according to the letter. Every day is so hard. Good luck to you all x

  • Hi there, I'm so very sorry to hear you are in the same boat! It's certainly a rocky one for us all. It is a struggle to keep positive during this time and seems like an eternity, waiting.   I'm ok one minute, then a panic  attack strikes and I feel lke screaming! Coming to terms with this outlook is like a bad dream.  I wish you and everyone else in 'our boat' the very best and hope for a good outcome for us all. Please keep me posted how you are getting on. 

    Jenny

  • Thanks Jenny. Yes it’s a rollercoaster. You too! 

  • Hi Jenny, I’m sorry you be had a similar experience to my husband. I did ring the GP and said it was bad practice, they said they’ll bring it to peoples attention!


    My husband saw the plastic surgeon two weeks ago, who sad he would be surprised if it is cancer???


    Anyway, he’s having the legion removed on Tuesday and will just have to wait for the result of the biopsy.

    i hope you get seen soon. Take care.

    Jan x

  • Hi Jan,

    Thank you for getting back. I did wonder after seeing your original message but didn't like to pry. 

    Yes, the process of uploading these letters needs looking it, it's not helpful or appropriate. 

    I'm glad your husband has had his appointment and got his biopsy date. I wish him all the luck in the world for a positive outcome, be it a long process of waiting and worrying. 

    Please keep in touch, it's always so much better just having someone who's is experiencing the same thing. 

    Thank you  and take care both,

    Jenny x

  • Yes, I will Jenny. 
    Hope you get your appointment soon. 
    take care. 
    Jan x