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Waiting for mole mapping results

Taralouise
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Hi, just wanted some advice from anyone that has had mole mapping done by the NHS. I had and urgent referral from my GP to see a dermatologist about 2 moles I was concerned about. I went the appointment with the dermatologist just over 3 weeks ago where she took pictures and inputted them to DERM. I received a letter roughly a week later with a telephone consultation date that was supposed to go ahead last week but was rescheduled to this Tuesday due to the dermatologist taking ill. Since having the letter I’ve been so anxious as I was expecting my letter to just give me the all clear. Does anyone know if it’s normal to have a telephone consultation for the all clear or could this mean there is something to be concerned about? I called the hospital after my appointment was cancelled in hopes of reassurance but was just given the “you will have to wait for you appointment to be rebooked”. I know my appointment is only a couple of days away but I can’t take the waiting process it’s made me so anxious to not have any sort of information on what the telephone call will be about. I have also got the phone call whilst I will be at work so I wanted to be able to prepare myself in advance so I’m not a complete mess if there is more to it. 

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    Hi Tara,

    I know how worrying and confusing this will be but try not to second guess why they have made a telephone appointment with you. It may be to tell you that they want to remove one or both moles for a biopsy as they can't tell that they are completely benign from the derm photos. This doesn't mean they are definitely melanoma, it just means the biopsy will tell them if they're benign, cancerous or dysplastic (precancerous). Or, they may say that for the moment they want to monitor your moles and arrange to see you again in a few months time to see if there have been any changes.

    I hope tomorrow's call goes well and don't be afraid to ask them any questions if you are unsure about what they say. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you for your reply Angie. I had my consultation Today and she advised it could be just an atypical mole but they can’t be sure from the images so they are going to book me in for a biopsy to test for melanoma. Hopefully it comes back clear! It’s just the waiting that’s got my anxiety going. I’ve got an 11 month old little girl so I really was hoping to be given the all clear Today but I’m just going to try and keep myself as distracted as possible until I get my final results. 

  • Offline in reply to Taralouise

    A lot of patients find that their dodgy mole is atypical so there is a good chance yours will be too. It's good that you are trying to keep distracted and hopefully you won't be waiting too long.

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