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Why is my 2ww melanoma referral being reviewed?

MatterImpressive9811
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I have a mole on my leg which I saw a (private) dermatologist about around 18 months ago. At the time, they said it needed to be monitored and recommended I get it looked at again in 6 months time. If I'm honest, life got in the way and I pretty much forgot about it. 
 

fast forward to 3 weeks ago, I realise that it's changed quite considerably. It's basically a completely different shape now. I felt like an idiot for not getting it looked at sooner and immediately rang the GP. I sent a comparison of what it looks like now vs 18 months ago and he agreed it had changed quite a bit and immediately said he'd refer me urgently to dermatology. 
 

today I got a letter saying my referral was being reviewed, and to call the hospital if I've not been contacted by the 6th of October (which is a good 7 weeks away). I'm a bit confused because urgent referrals are meant to take 2 weeks, and now I'll have to spend the next 2 months worrying about this and not knowing if/ when they'll contact me. 
 

does anyone happen to know why they could be reviewing it? Is it possible that the hospital has been the photos I sent to the GP and don't think it's urgent? 
 

any advice / reassurance would be very much appreciated, I'm starting to get pretty anxious 

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi again Angie, thanks for replying. 
     

    I called the hospital and asked if they had any more information on my referral - they said it has come back from the consultant and they'd put down that I needed to be seen within 3 months, which they said is one of the more urgent appointments since the average wait time is a year. I'm very confused by the whole thing because I've had an urgent referral for a mole before, and I was seen a week after my GP appointment! 

    I'm looking into private appointments but so far they're all looking pretty unaffordable. 
     

    I'll let you know how it goes! 

     

  • Offline in reply to MatterImpressive9811

    I'm worried, with that time delay, that it's gone through as a non urgent referral. I know several newly diagnosed patients and none have had to wait more than 2 months for a 2 week referral. I would get back to your GP, confirm it was a 2 week referral and, if so, ask about other hospitals.

  • Offline in reply to MatterImpressive9811

    I gave up and went private today in london. Mine looks to be a benign condition it will be double checked by a specialist and I get the results in 3 days. But even if it's benign I'm going to get it removed privately. 

  • Offline in reply to tel123

    I Attended a private appointment on the 26th August. Was told it appeared to be a benign condition. I was told specialist would email a full report with in 3 days. The report came through this evening it is benign and of know risk but It could grow and become unsightly. I will be booking a appointment privately for removal but under non urgent as they are also seeing exceptionally high numbers as well. 

  • Offline in reply to MatterImpressive9811

    I don't know where you live but I had the photo imaging done privately and it was £ 50 this was in london. 

  • Offline in reply to MatterImpressive9811

    Hi 

    most of the private hospitals do interest free instalments 

    to pay 

    I had a consultation and biopsy for a lesion histology found squamous skin cancer 

    had consultation with a plastic surgeon 

    the lesion was on my shin not much skin there and needed a skin graft 

    had wide leg excision and skin graft 

    under local anesthetic full operating team of 7 

    more  follow up apts bandages changed by the surgeon 

    thats 4 apts up to now 

    surgeon phoned me 3 times at home 

    due to be discharged from his care in 2 weeks 

    this cost under £3000

    my leg is a mess but it's getting better I had the all clear in 1 month histology took two week after the wle 

    i could have gone back onto the NHS after diagnosis

    but just wanted it done the waiting list to see a dermatologist is 48 weeks I still wouldn't have been seen 

    they are working in chronological order 

    no priority 

    hope my experience helps others people 

    Joanie b 

     

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