Hey Lou-Lou,

For now take it as a good thing. In my non-medical line of work, we usually prioritise important cases, and our contingency plan is usually immediate referral to other colleagues should someone be off, if the matter requires urgency. 

Just a friendly view point to you, hoping it reduces your anxiety somewhat :) 

I have recently been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. At the initial stage of mole biopsy I heard back about my results in 4 weeks and immediately started the journey of treatment, so by 6 weeks  I was being seen by the skin cancer specialist. I hope this helps as it reinforces the comment Justice made previously. ️

I'm afraid you really can't tell why your results are awaiting one particular consultant to deal with them. Sometimes it's because some consultants like to see the patient again rather than the patient being seen by different consultants along the way (my consultant has, 90% of the time, seen me which helps put my mind at rest). Sometimes it may be because the results are dealt with by the same or a different consultant dependant on the pathology result (some senior consultants like to deal with the melanoma diagnosis cases leaving the pre-cancerous or benign results to be given by the junior doctors). Unless you know how your local hospital dermatology/plastics departments work you really won't be able to answer your worry & to be honest, it would have been better if the secretary hadn't told you about other patient's results being transferred to other consultants. She would have caused less worry by saying your consultant has been away & she will be in touch when she's caught up with everything.

The good thing is that your results are back so you shouldn't be waiting too much longer to hear from the hospital. I know that 4 weeks is a long time to have this hanging over you but hopefully you will know very soon. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

I have recently been diagnosed with melanoma and it took 5 wks for results but am booked in for further wide surgery to remove more skin etc in 2 wks then waiting again on further results if spread to lymph nodes etc but at least it’s all starting and the treatments available. Good luck