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Sent a letter saying it was maybe SSMM but haven't been told yet about biopsy results

Cleob
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Hey, I've never used a forum like this before but I'm just pretty anxious so maybe it will help: 

- I've been referred for a suspicious mole

-been told in the appointment it might be cancer and they scheduled me for it's removal two days later at the same time as someone else's appointment which I put down to me being pretty young (early 20s) 

- I've had a eye-shaped biopsy (not sure if this is the right word but that's what it looked like) 

- Received a letter of the notes my dermatologist made in my initial appointment and in it is the phrase "This is superficial Spreading malignant melanoma in superficial and potentially vertical growth phase." It also says that the biopsy is for "histological confirmation."

So I'm a bit confused but I'm guessing since they did a biopsy they don't know its cancer and it was just a guess but it's phrased like a statement, is it possible to identify SSMM just from the dermoscopy ? I can't stop myself worrying and overthinking this but obvs that feels unnecessary till I've actually got the results of the biopsy. I guess it's just a waiting game but they said it could be 4-6 weeks which feels like a long time to feel this anxious, everyone I've spoken to said if it's cancer you'll find out in the first week is that true? I feel a little imposter syndrom-y even writing on here but i would love some advice!

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    Hi It’s hard not to be anxious when you’re waiting for results, they usually send off anything that’s removed during surgery to the lab,  to be sure that they have the correct diagnosis and then treatment can be given or you discharged. 
    When you are in the process and are not sure when you will hear the results, it is really hard not to have your self in a spin of what ifs. I would avoid dr Google as they only give worst case, everything is cancer and never that it’s just a simple mole removal. 
    Do try to keep busy l hope you hear something positive soon. 
    take care 

    Susie 

  • Offline in reply to Alfieisastar

    Hey Susie thanks for your reply! I'll deffo try to stay off google and keep busy x

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    Hi Cleo,

    it sounds to me like the dermatologist probably has lots of experience and feels safe in his own ability. However, no one can 100% diagnose melanoma through a dermascope. They can only see any change in the cell structure that leads them to believe it's probably malignant. There is still a small chance they are wrong and it may be dysplastic (precancerous). That's why they do a biopsy as it's the only foolproof way to confirm a diagnosis.

    Everyone is wrong about hearing quickly if it's cancer. Histology check tissue samples in the order they receive them so I'm afraid the old adage 'No news is good news' is misplaced.

    The biopsy is elliptical shaped so it's easier to close and stitch back together.

    It's a long wait for results so try and keep yourself busy and distracted. Hopefully the consultant jumped the gun but if it is melanoma don't panic. Most newly diagnosed patients have no further problem once they've had the second excision, a wide local excision to ensure they've removed a safe margin of tissue.

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hey Angie, 

    This is such a helpful series of replies so thank you for all the info! It's reassuring to hear from someone with a bit more helpful and direct info that Mr google :)

    I'm feeling a bit calmer today as I've spoken to my GP who was very empathetic and could understand why I was feeling anxious about being cc'd into the letter and she was just straight forward with me which was good. 

    thanks again x

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    In case any was wondering/ looking at this at a later date here's an update: 

    the results were inconclusive from the first Biopsy and sent off to another lab, I then waited 6 weeks and  I’ve just received news today that I have Stage 1 malignant melanoma (PT1A)- it’s most likely all been removed as the depth was 0.7mm but they’re going to do a second precautionary surgery in a few weeks to double check for any microscopic disease- there’s a 95% chance that there are no further problems so I’m feeling okay- all in all good news that I caught it early and it was well worth going to the GP about my suspicions even with all the anxiety x

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