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Skin Biopsy Wait Results Time

GinGirl74
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Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and just needed somewhere to vent my frustrations. I have had a blemish on my cheek for many years. Like a couple of darker brown streaks, about a centimetre in length, with a lighter patch. All in all, about the size of a penny piece. I can see them in pics from 6 years ago. So a long time.

Anyway, before Christmas I noticed that one of the streaks had started to get a. It raised and scaly so got in touch with my gp. In fairness, my GP was amazing. Everything was done online with photos and he referred me onto dermatology to be looked at with an appointment within two weeks. 

That was mid December. I was seen first time just before new year and the consultant did a biopsy at the end of January. It has now been almost 9 weeks and I still have no results. I've just spoken to the secretary and been told the results are back but have not been reviewed yet. I'll be contacted with an appointment before the end of April. 
It's getting tough now. I'm sure that everything is going to be fine, it's the not knowing and the obvious shrugs from the people at the end of the phone line. Is a three month wait normal fo this sort of thing? 
Sorry for whinging, I just had to get it out somewhere!
 

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm really sorry to say that waiting times for results and surgeries are taking longer as time goes on. The average waiting time for results is now 8 to 12 weeks. If your results are back with dermatology but not reviewed yet it means they are waiting to be discussed at the MDT (Multi disciplinary team meeting held once a week). This is where Dermatology, Plastic Surgery and Oncology discuss all results, whether good or bad, and decide the next step. The results are then given to the patient at an appointment. If the Secretary is saying you will get an appointment before the end of April they are probably taking into account the time it takes to do the MDT and then the next appointment slot available after that. 

    I know that explaining the reason for delay doesn't relieve your worry but sadly this length of time for results is normal post Covid.

    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,

    Thanks for that. It helps to know it is the norm and what exactly is going on.
    The receptionists/secretary are probably sick of saying the same things over and over and I think it's starting to show. They must be as frustrated as everyone else is. Hopefully it won't take too long now. I had been given the run around for a week with neither dermatology or plastics seemingly wanting to take ownership of my case. That's probably more where the frustration came from. I guess it's been there for well over five years, what's another few weeks eh.

    xxx

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