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Urgent suspected cancer referral

Shazh
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Hi everyone, 

Last week I was referred by my nurse for suspected cancer. It's a mole on my back that has changed and grown very quickly. My question is does anyone know appropriately how long I will wait to hear to see someone? Also will I be contacted by telephone or letter? Thank you 

  • Offline

    Hi Shazh

    I also went to my GP last week with the same thing. I was referred to dermatology through the two week pathway and I have received my appointment through today (it’s on 5/7) I am in Scotland so not sure if England etc follow same guidelines. 

    The waiting is such a worry, I would maybe call your GP and ask if they have referred you through the two week pathway and if not you could maybe ask if they know current waiting times in your area? Did they refer you to dermatology?

    I hope this helps a little. 

    Jax :) 

  • Offline in reply to Lionsmane25

    Thank you so much for your reply. I'm also in Scotland. North Ayrshire. I didn't even ask the nurse. My head was spinning and I wasn't thinking properly, fingers crossed I hear something really soon because it's really affecting my mental health. I really hope everything is OK with you xx

  • Offline in reply to Shazh

    Aw I’m Greater Glasgow and Clyde, just up the road from you :)

    I noticed the title of your post after I replied and I saw you said urgent suspected cancer referral, that’s the same for me. Like you I left completely overwhelmed and had to call back the next day to double check my understanding.

    Fingers crossed you get your letter through asap! My anxiety is through the roof, please do post an update and let us know how you get on and when your appointment is :) x

  • Offline in reply to Lionsmane25

    Thank you  I will call my doctors first thing in the morning and give you an update xx

  • Offline in reply to Lionsmane25

    Hey, how are you? Have you had your appointment yet? 

    I called hospital and they said I will receive a letter by next week. They have also put me on the cancellation list so hopefully hear something soon x

  • Offline in reply to Shazh

    Hi 

    Well that’s good news, hopefully you’ll have a date then asap. 

    My appointment is this Saturday morning with dermatology at hospital. On one hand I just want it over with and the other I don’t want to go.

    How have you been feeling about it all? I’m trying to remain optimistic and not let my brain run away with itself but my God it’s hard.

  • Offline in reply to Lionsmane25

    Please keep me updated and best of luck. It's the not knowing I think. One day I'm optimistic and the next day I'm fearing the worst. My mole has changed again! Like you, I just want this dealt with xx

  • Offline in reply to Shazh

    Hello

    I had my appointment this morning and it’s all good news.

    A dermascope was used to look at the areas my GP was concerned about. I was asked about family history of melanoma (my grandad passed away from this, extreme sunbed use as a teenager/early 20s and living in Australia and New Zealand for two years) As you can see there were a few high risks for me as well as the change in mole.

    I don’t even need a biopsy and no further checks. I have what is called seborrhoeic keratoses. The dermatologist explained why she is confident that’s what it is and even done a full body check of me for anything else that I was nervous about.

    I hope this has given you some peace of mind! Have you heard about your appointment yet? 

  • Offline in reply to Lionsmane25

    Wow that is amazing news,! I am soooo happy for you. 

    I called hospital through the week and they said I should receive a letter this week coming. Praying I get the same outcome as you. I'll definitely let you know how I get on. 

    Thank you for keeping me updated about yourself x

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