hi i am really struggling i had a biopsy on a mole 5 weeks ago and just had a letter for an appointment and no results
hi i am really struggling i had a biopsy on a mole 5 weeks ago and just had a letter for an appointment and no results
Hello and thank you for your post,
I can appreciate that this must be a worrying time for you, waiting for results is never easy.
In many NHS trusts, dermatology departments routinely book a follow-up appointment for every single patient at the time the biopsy is taken or shortly after. Because laboratory waiting times across the UK are currently averaging 4 to 8 weeks, hospitals line these appointments up in advance to ensure that if you do need to be seen, you don't have to wait even longer for a slot. Whether a result is completely benign (clear), inconclusive, or requires further monitoring, many dermatologists have a policy of giving biopsy results in person rather than over a letter or the phone, regardless of what the result is. They want to be able to look at the biopsy healing site, discuss the findings, and answer any questions you have. Should it be a skin cancer, most cases are found very early and are successfully treated, so try to not think the worst.
Meanwhile, to help with the anxiety whilst waiting for your appointment, maybe try some mindfulness or yoga, there are plenty of videos on YouTube and it can help to calm and distract yourself for a while. Keeping busy, and reaching out to friends and family can also help.
I hope that this helps,
Best wishes,
Vanda
Hello and thank you for your post,
I can appreciate that this must be a worrying time for you, waiting for results is never easy.
In many NHS trusts, dermatology departments routinely book a follow-up appointment for every single patient at the time the biopsy is taken or shortly after. Because laboratory waiting times across the UK are currently averaging 4 to 8 weeks, hospitals line these appointments up in advance to ensure that if you do need to be seen, you don't have to wait even longer for a slot. Whether a result is completely benign (clear), inconclusive, or requires further monitoring, many dermatologists have a policy of giving biopsy results in person rather than over a letter or the phone, regardless of what the result is. They want to be able to look at the biopsy healing site, discuss the findings, and answer any questions you have. Should it be a skin cancer, most cases are found very early and are successfully treated, so try to not think the worst.
Meanwhile, to help with the anxiety whilst waiting for your appointment, maybe try some mindfulness or yoga, there are plenty of videos on YouTube and it can help to calm and distract yourself for a while. Keeping busy, and reaching out to friends and family can also help.
I hope that this helps,
Best wishes,
Vanda