Hi Ferny,

I know how worried you must be, especially when they haven't given you any details as to what the appointment will entail.

A dermoscopy is where the consultant will examine the mole using a dermatoscope - it's a handheld microscope that enables them to take photos of the cell structure of the mole. If the cell structure looks normal the mole is benign. If it looks unusual they will arrange for the mole to be removed - usually on a future date, under local anaesthetic as a day patient. The mole & surrounding tissue will then be sent off for biopsy & this will show if the cells are cancerous, benign or atypical (also known as dysplastic or precancerous). 

75% of patients referred to dermatology are diagnosed as having benign or atypical moles & they are discharged. Of the 25% diagnosed as being melanoma, most have been found early & are successfully treated with further surgery. 

I hope you aren't waiting too long for your appointment & that all goes well. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thanks. I went to see my Dr today, he was slightly annoyed at the lack of information from dermatology.  He apologised for the anxiety, because he was bring over cautious, referring me.  He looked at the mole against said it hadn't changed, he wasn't concerned. So just waiting on the sppointment