Still Waiting 17 weeks for skin biopsy results.

Hi, I had a skin biopsy 17 weeks ago in Cardiff. I was originally told the wait was 6 to 8 weeks. Then it was changed to 10 to 12 weeks and the last time I phoned I was told 14 to 16 weeks. It's now 17 weeks and I still haven't heard. I have phoned the consultants secretary 3 times and fobbed off. I think this wait is absolutely ridiculous and totally unacceptable. How do I complain? What can I do about this? I'm so anxious about this it's making me ill honestly. 

  • Hi,

    I would contact PALS (Patient Liasion Service) at the hospital and they may be able to help find out why the wait is so long and move things along. The secretary should really give you some explanation for the protracted delay by now. Is it a possible BCC, SCC or melanoma? If the latter, this delay is definitely not acceptable as melanoma can spread internally if not treated asap. Sometimes the biopsy is sent to a second hospital for their opinion if it's borderline malignant and this makes the wait longer. Iif this is the case with your biopsy they should tell you. It won't hurry it along but at least you know what's going on. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Hi there! I know exactly where you are coming from. Almost 12 weeks I waited for the result of a punch biopsy on my mole, for it to come back as melanoma. Now waiting a further 4 weeks to get the mole removed to be staged. God knows how long I will have to wait for the wide excision to get rid of it all. I have been sick with worry, and PALS are yet to respond to my email from 6 weeks ago too. Knowing that this mole was melanoma and felling like it was a ticking bomb is so worrying. I went to the GP in the beginning of May, and tomorrow I get to have it removed ( not properly tho). The urgent referral within 2 weeks is a waste of time, as everything slows down to a full stop after those 2 weeks. I hope you get to hear something soon, and I hope it is good news x