Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Views 1163 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Mole biopsy scare

Autumn18272
Offline

I had a mole that had an irregular border and colouring. The dermatologist said she is not concerned about it but will remove it so I don’t have to worry now or in the future. The biopsy results have taken 2 weeks and 1 day so far and I haven’t heard anything. I am paralysed with fear and can’t help but think, why are they delayed? How long should it take, and is it bad that it’s taken so long? I have swollen lymph nodes in that area but they have had multiple ultrasound scans with no abnormal results, same with blood tests, no abnormal results. I was told they was just reactive lymph nodes and nothing to worry about. I feel sick with fear

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm sorry you are going through this worrying time. Sadly the long wait for results is the hardest part of this journey. Results pre Covid used to take 2 - 3 weeks but they are currently taking anything from 4 to 8 weeks at some hospitals.

    The things to focus on to help cope through the anxiety is that 1) the mole has been removed so if it is malignant it's no longer there 2) the majority of patients who have had a biopsy receive good results - the mole was benign or dysplastic (precancerous and caught before it becomes malignant). If it is melanoma, most cases are found quickly and caught before they can spread. Early stage melanomas are easily treated and 98% of patients have no further problems in the future 3) it's not unusual to have reactive lymph nodes and if all your scans have shown they are reactive you should accept that they are fine. 

    The trick now is to find things to do to distract yourself through the wait for your results. The length of time the results take have no bearing on whether they will be good or bad news, they just deal with them as they come through to them. Try meditation or mindfulness - lots of YouTube videos you can follow. If your anxiety is overwhelming I suggest you ask your GP for medication to help.

    Good luck, hopefully you will hear very soon & the news will be better than you fear. Please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline

    I had the same experience , had my mole red flagged and doctor was very concerned , got cancellation for 4th Aug  got it removed with punch biopsy and got lymph nodes all felt,I thought this was worse case scenario. Never heard anything until one day after 8weeks from biopsy got letter to say they had a telephone phone appointment, so I panicked more. Then got another letter  2weeks ago to say it was cancelled and would send another appointment, I thought why do they need to speak to me. So I took courage to ring and was dreading the results and was told 3rd letter sent out to tell me mole was benign, I cried and cried was so relieved and happy. So not all suspicious moles are the worse case . Only got letter obout 2weeks ago. Hope all goes well and try not to Google as it didn't help me . This group was a life saver though x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.