Hello. I am not an expert but talking from personal experience. I have recently had stage 1 melanoma and the biopsy was put through on a 10 day turnaround. At the same time, two people I know had biopsies for suspected skin cancer and they were both put through on the 24 week turnaround. These turned out to be the much slower skin cancers. We understood this to mean the consultants probably knew they weren’t anything too worrying and didn’t need to rush the results through. Hope this helps put your mind at ease

If they are saying it's urgent but it may take 24 weeks to be seen, I think that's more a problem with a backlog of dermatology appointments. I wouldn't be happy about the conflicting information given, so my advice is that you ring dermatology & ask why it's taking that long to get an appointment if it's classed as urgent. If it appears to be a backlog, I suggest you ask your GP to be referred to another hospital with a shorter waiting list. Your other option is to contact PALS (Patient Liaison Service) at the hospital & see if they can look into it for you.

Hopefully the images taken showed that your mole may be precancerous (atypical/dysplastic) and that it needs checking & possibly a biopsy to confirm this. However, 24 weeks is far too long, even in these circumstances. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thanks Angie 

I am really unhappy re this and feel very fobbed off re my health . I went to a private clinic yesterday against all my principles and awaiting a second opinion. I also asked the doctor to try and escalate given as you say it’s urgent . Hope you are doing ok and thank you 

Hi,

I'm glad you've sought a second opinion although you really shouldn't have to go privately to do it. 

I've spoken to a fellow patient who also works for NICE. This link explains the referral process, cancer pathway & how long you should wait. We know that post Covid hospitals have a backlog but 24 weeks is terrible. Recommendations organised by symptom and findings of primary care investigations | Suspected cancer: recognition and referral | Guidance | NICE

Please note that a recent addition to the guidelines says this 'Suspected cancer pathway referral' Person to receive a diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of being referred urgently by their GP for suspected cancer. For further details, see NHS England's webpage on faster diagnosis of cancer.

I hope this helps and you get seen quickly.

Thanks very much . I have now written to my health minister 

You shouldn't have to fight your corner but don't be afraid to. We have to be our own advocates sometimes x

I agree Angela and I will . Seen what being complacent and trusting has caused my family in the past . I wish you all my best and thank you