Hi there 

Sorry to hear about your situation and appreciate this must be a worrying time for you. It is good though that you have been referred to see a specialist and your appointment is soon.

The specialist is likely to assess you first but it isn't unusual for something like this to need a biopsy as it is really the only way of finding out if it is cancerous or not. Often this will take place at the initial appointment but not always as there can be variations between clinics. If they do need to take a biopsy then they will do this as quickly as possible and then there is usually a wait of 2-3 weeks for the results.

You can read more about the tests to diagnose a skin cancer here.

I hope this is helpful and your appointment goes well. please get back if you have further questions or if you prefer to talk over the phone the nurse helpline is open weekdays 9-5 on 0808 800 4040.

Wishing you all the best

Naomi