Hi KTS1,

Nice to meet you.

I think this sounds okay and, yes, I've been seen this way.

The medical photos are highly magnified and show sufficient detail of structure to enable a working diagnosis. This will certainly speed things up because you won't have to wait forever for an outpatient appointment to get things started.

The biopsy would be even better. This is because it's only when the results come back from the lab that you get an accurate diagnosis. The biopsy can often be taken well down the line, when surgery takes place. So, if you can get your lab results first, that'd be a very quick way to proceed. Any treatment can then be planned from the get go.

Unfortunately, as you know, the NHS Dermatology waiting lists can be dreadfully long. It sounds to me that they're trying to speed things up as much as possible in your area.

But waiting is never easy and everyone who reads your post will completely understand how difficult this is for you.

Take care, please don't ever hesitate to reach out again, and all the very best. 

Hi

Thanks for the response, if you don’t mind me asking how long did you have to wait from having the photos taken to finding out what the plan was? Regarding treatment etc?

waiting is very difficult and everything seems to take so long 

thanks 

Hi KTS1,

I don't mind you asking at all, but I'm afraid I can't give you an answer.

In my case, the photos enabled the Dermatologists to triage me on to the red flag list for an outpatient appointment in 20 weeks time, when I guess a treatment plan might have been made.

I wasn't prepared to wait that long because I was able to watch the 'lesions' transforming virtually by the week. With help, I was able to self-fund private treatment, and did so.

I completely understand how difficult and frustrating things must be for you and I'm really sorry I can't be more help to you. Perhaps someone else might come up with a useful answer.

Very best wishes.

Hi

i went through exactly what is happening to you. I was told that a dermatology expert would usually review pictures in the first 24 hours after they are taken. I allowed 3 days and had not heard anything so I called the dermatology department at local hospital and they looked up my details and advised me they were non cancerous. I have since had more lesions and due to the number have been referred on two week referral but have now had an appointment for Monday to get them looked at no photos this time. . If you have a number chase them up. Good luck .

Hello KTS1,

Thank you for posting. I'm sorry to hear how worrying this wait has been.

It is becoming increasingly common for dermatology services to assess photographs first, either taken by the GP or at a specialist imaging clinic. Although it can feel like an extra step, it helps dermatologists decide who needs to be seen most urgently.

If the team are happy for you to wait until November after reviewing the photographs, this is usually because they don't feel there are any features suggesting you need a more urgent appointment. However, if you notice any changes or remain concerned, do contact your GP, who can review things again and, if appropriate, ask for your referral to be expedited.

The waiting and uncertainty can be difficult. If you'd find it helpful to talk things through, our nurses are available on the helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Jemma

Hi

how long should I have to wait for an appointment for photos from GPs referral. As the appointment they have given me isn’t for another two weeks which will be three weeks from first referal, and how quickly should I expect a response once the photos are taken?

thanks