Mole biopsy

Hi, I had a mole removed on 29th February and was told that my results would be sent in the post within the next 4 weeks. I asked the doctor what would happen if it was bad news and she said she was 99% sure it wouldn’t be (having reviewed the pictures previously taken) but said if it was then I’d receive an appointment letter. I was also advised to call for an update if my results weren’t received 4 weeks later. 

On 25th March, I left a message for the dermatology pod to see if my results were ready and received a call back 15mins later advising they weren’t and sometimes rresults can take up to 6 weeks. However, the next day I received a letter dated 22nd March confirming an appointment had been made for June (3 months away). I’ve left multiple messages on the dermatology pod’s answering machine but haven’t had a callback. I’m really confused because I was told my results weren’t ready but yet have received a letter with an appointment date. I’m also worried because the appointment is so far away surely if they found something then shouldn’t l be seen quicker? 

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 

  • Hi Afraidmama91 and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry to hear you haven't heard back from the Dermatology pod just yet, but fingers crossed they will ring you in the next few days so you can get your questions answered and your mind put at ease.

    Many of our members have been through this process so will completely understand your concerns, and hopefully it won't be long until some of them stop by to offer their support and advice.

    In the meantime, if you'd like to talk any of this through with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. 

    We're thinking of you Afraidmama91 and wishing you all the best with your results.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • HI,

    I know how confusing this all is, especially when you were given an optimistic timeline in the first instance.

    Most results are now taking an average of 6 weeks. Once they come back from histology they have to be discussed at an MDT (Multi Disciplinary Meeting) - this is where all results (whether positive or negative for cancer) are discussed by consultants from Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Oncology and the Specialist Nurses. They agree as to the next step - treatment plan if positive or discharge if negative. 

    Now, because consultant's secretaries know of the long delay with results, they pencil in an appointment date giving plenty of time for the results to be received, discussed & then given to the patient. So on 22nd March the appointment was sent out (by the Appointments department) but on 25th March the dermatology member of staff would not be aware of the future appointment date, only that your results had not yet been received. That is why it's confusing. 

    It helps them to diary all their appointments, knowing they can fit everyone in. If your results come back clear, you may receive a letter cancelling the appointment & giving you the good news. If they are borderline (severely atypical (precancerous)) or positive for melanoma, they will either wait until the June appointment to discuss the results or may call you in earlier.

    I hope this helps explain how the system works. Good luck, I hope the results come back clear. Please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)