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Skin Biopsy Result

Husky88
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Hi everyone,

I need someone to talk to. I'm feeling very scared. I noticed a brown mark on the side of my little toe a few weeks ago. It wasn't sore or itchy, but I knew it hadn't been there before. I went to the gp who referred me urgently to dermatology. The dermatologist looked at it and said he wasn't happy with it and wanted to remove it urgently. I asked him what he thought it was and he said he wasn't sure and I should think positivly. I had it removed 3 weeks ago and have been trying to keep myself busy. I got a letter from dermatology after a week explaining what they had done and they wanted to rule out Melanoma??! I felt worried sick but tried to carry on with things while waiting for the results. Then I got a phonecall yesterday from dermatology saying I need to come in on Tuesday to discuss my results. I asked if they could tell me my results on the phone. They said no, I have to wait till Tuesday which is 4 days away. I'm so scared and convinced that they are going to say it's melanoma I have looked at the area where they have took the biopsy and i can still see a dark mark so I don't think they have removed it all. I'm terrified and can't stop crying. Please help someone xx

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    Hi,

    I'm sorry you are going through this anxious time.

    Being called in for face to face results is worrying but it doesn't always mean it's due to bad news. It may be that the mole was pre-cancerous (dysplastic) and they want to keep an eye on any other moles/marks you have. If it is melanoma, there is every chance it's been caught early and if it has, after further surgery (a Wide Local Excision) to ensure they've removed it all, you will just be checked regularly for a period of time. 

    Melanoma treatment has improved substantially over the last few years and is showing great results so it's not as desperate as Dr Google shows (Google is out of date and doesn't show the improving statistics over the last few years).

    Can I suggest that you write down any questions you have for the consultant and then you won't forget to ask them. If you are allowed to take someone with you, do so. Two pairs of ears are better than one. If you can't, either ask if you can make notes or record the conversation on your phone so that you can remind yourself of the information afterwards.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie, thankyou for your reply. I have been worried sick for 2 days, I can't eat or sleep thinking the worst. When I look at the biopsy area I can still see a brown mark so I don't think it's been fully removed when they did the biopsu. Im panicking whatever is there, is very deep and they won't be able to remove it all. Its on my toe so doesn't give much of a wide area. Had a bad morning crying. I'm only 34 with young children and can't stop thinking the worst 

  • Offline in reply to Husky88

    I know how anxious you will be but please take deep breaths and try not to panic. Firstly, you have had it removed so, if it is malignant, it's no longer there now. If it's not melanoma, which there is a good chance it isn't, it doesn't matter if there is still a mark left behind. If it is melanoma, they will remove the brown mark when they do a wider excision. If there is little margin on the toe to remove, they may remove that part of the toe to ensure it's not spread.

    At the moment you don't know yet if it is melanoma so try not to jump ahead with 'what if's' as you will drive yourself crazy and it won't help you deal with it. So try look on the positive side - it's been removed and, if it's melanoma, there is a good chance it's been caught early and treatments are very good now so it's not as desperate as it was a few years ago.

    For the next two days concentrate on keeping your anxiety at bay. Once you know what the results are you will find it easier to cope. 

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie, thankyou for your advice. I will try to stay positive and let you know how I get on xx

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