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Mole biopsy removal wait

EMJS
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Hi. 

I’m new here, have never posted although always looking at conversations on here!

I had a weird looking mole on my back the I went to the GP about last September, he said we will monitor it for 3 months didn’t seem particularly concerned. I went back in the November again on real concern but said we’ll remove it, I kind of chickened out from the removal and didn’t go ( I did cancel not just didn’t turn up) next thing I know I have a dermatology appt he must have referred me to. Anyway I went, they again didn’t seem overly concerned said maybe or possibly a dysplastic nevi, said to remove it so I did on the 14th April. The dermatologist who removed it didn’t give me much, only the skin underneath where my mole had been removed looked healthy. I’m now on week 6 of waiting, I was told a possible 12 week wait for any result! The anxiety is getting to me now, I feel I can’t make any plans for our summer holidays until I know!

is it really a 12 week wait? Is there anything I can do

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    I rang the appointment line this morning to see if I could find out any information I know it’s only been nearly 7 weeks but I was told it’ll be longer and it’s likely 16-20 weeks  I’m not sure I can cope with that wait!

  • Hello EMJS, and thank you for getting in touch.

    I am sorry to hear that you’ve needed a biopsy. Waiting for tests and results can be very stressful and cause a lot of anxiety, so, understandably, you’re feeling worried at this time.

    The length of time it takes to get biopsy results can vary. However, if a biopsy has been requested urgently, results are usually available within a few weeks. Being told you may need to wait as long as 16 weeks doesn’t sound typical for an urgent sample, so it would be important to clarify this.

    It may help to contact the consultant’s secretary or the dermatology team who arranged the biopsy. They should be able to check whether the sample was marked as urgent, whether the results are already available, or if there has been any delay in processing.

    Sometimes delays can happen due to laboratory workload or staffing pressures, and waiting times can vary between NHS Trusts. However, they should be able to give you a clearer idea of your individual situation.

    I hope you’re able to get some clarity soon. If you would like to talk things through, you are very welcome to get back in touch. You can also speak to one of our nurses on the helpline on 0808 800 4040, available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

    Take care,

    Jemma

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