Welcome to the forum, amy_9424.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation and can understand your concern about the timeline of your appointment.

While it's not uncommon for referral appointments to take some time due to various factors, such as availability and urgency of cases, it's essential to prioritise your health and seek clarification if you're feeling anxious or if there are sudden changes in your symptoms.Given the recent growth and itchiness of your mole, it may be worthwhile to contact your medical team to express your concerns and see if there's any possibility of getting an earlier appointment or receiving further guidance in the meantime.

Until you get to speak with your doctors if you find yourself too bothered though and feel like asking someone with a medical background some questions, feel free to ring our team of nurses. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.

Wishing you the best,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

I am going through the same,My GP sent a 2ww by teledermatology,he said i have a mole suspicious for melanoma,they messaged me and said they have seen my referral and photos ot the mole have been looked at and i am on a waiting list for an appointment.I am worried to death.

Hi!

I'm in a similar situation although mine is not a mole but a lump on my toe joint.

The GP referred me on a 2 week referral..I also had photos done and then have to wait 2 weeks for a biopsy. Try not to worry too much. I know it is easier said than done.

I do think a lot of it now is to try and get people on the Pathway quickly just get things seen. 

I can't fault my hospital. Its been scary and nerve wracking but they're doing everything they should be.

I hope you're ok but if you need to talk my inbox is always open

Becky xx

Hi Amy, please see my post above about my BCC, you MUST chase, complain and chase again. If we all just sit back and accept this as the new norm' things will NEVER change. Go to your MP (mine is totally useless Theo Clarke), complain to the Company managing your care, go to the Ombudsman if you're not satisfied with their response. It's all a bit futile anyway but we must keep fighting. I wish you all the best. 

Hi Amy,

Some hospitals are very behind with their 2 week pathway referrals but 2 months is the worst I've heard of.

Contact the hospital and ask why the appointment is 2 months away. If it's due to a backlog, tell them you are happy to take a last minute cancellation if one comes up (if you are flexible). I would also see your GP and ask them if there is another hospital nearby with a shorter waiting list - they may be able to re-refer you. The other option is to pay for a private dermatology consultation (if you can afford it). If a biopsy is advised, you can then ask to be transferred back to the care of the NHS for the surgery. Please be aware though that even the private dermatologists have a backlog. All this is due to the after effects of Covid backlogs, a shortage of dermatologists (600+ vacancies) and more patients being proactive and seeking medical attention for their suspicious moles and lesions. If you don't get any joy regarding getting an earlier appointment, contact PALS (Patient Liaison) at the hospital to see if they can expedite a quicker appointment.

75% of patients referred to dermatology get a clean bill of health (either benign or dysplastic (precancerous) results) so try not to panic whilst waiting. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009) 

Thanks everyone for the replies! I’ve since received a letter from the hospital to say that they’ve diagnosed it as a benign mole just from looking at the photos my gp sent which would explain why they are in no rush to see me so I have asked my gp if I can see the photos that they sent as I’m not convinced by this at all. Especially as I have another mole close to the suspicious one which I know is a perfectly normal mole so I’m concerned that they have taken photos of the wrong one. It’s pretty hard as it’s on my back so I couldn’t see to make sure lol so will see what they come back with! 

I hope it was the correct mole. If not, stand your ground & get an appointment from them asap.

Hi Angie I have sent you a friend request