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How long for results?

zjn1991
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I had a mole removed 3 weeks ago through plastics due to the shape and location. I was told I would have a "histology" a few weeks later. I then received a letter for an appointment at the plastics department of a different hospital (albeit more local to me) but it isn't until the first week of December. Is this normal? That seems like a long wait between surgery and I'm thinking if the mole was dodgy they would have told me by now. Or is that just wishful thinking? 

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    Hi Zjn1991,

    A very warm welcome to our forum,

    Your care team won't really know if, or how dodgy your mole is, until the results of your post-surgery histology tests are back. It is possible that you may not receive these results, until you attend the plastics department. There is always a high demand for dermatology, plastics, etc and it usually takes longer to get these results, than those for some of the other forms of cancer.

    You will also find that waiting times seem to vary considerably throughout the country, depending upon how busy the various clinics are. There doesn't seem to be any time difference in the wait, irrespective of whether the results are good or bad. I was given a return date of 8 weeks post-surgery, to receive my results, so, the length of time that you've been waiting doesn't seem too long.

    Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you so much for your reply. I didn't see it until now! Frustratingly my wound hasn't been healing well so I have been back and forth with the plastics dressing team. 

    Apparently the appointment on the 4th Dec is my histology which makes it 7 weeks post op. I'm really worried that it's a face to face instead of over the phone and they have made it at my local hospital rather than the one I had my surgery at. My gut instinct is it's bad news

  • Offline in reply to zjn1991

    Hi Zjn,

    I am sorry to hear that you have been having bother with your wound. Are you making any progress with the healing?

    Most of us tend to expect the worst at this stage, but fortunately, this doesn't always happen. The majority of surgeons prefer to give the results, whether good or bad, face-to-face. Unfortunately, some hospitals are busier than others and it is not always possible for all surgeons to give any results personally. Both good and bad results have been received by phone, or by letter.

    With regards to having your appointment at your local hospital, rather than the one you had your surgery at. There is no need to worry about this. Most surgeons attend different hospitals, so it makes little difference to them, where they see you. It makes sense that it is easier for you to attend your local hospital and don't have to travel further.

    I sincerely hope that it's not bad news on 4th. Don't forget that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine 

  • Offline in reply to zjn1991

    Hi,

    I'm sorry you have a long wait for your results appointment but sadly 7 weeks is the average time it's taking at most hospitals currently. 

    I agree with Jolamine regarding face to face versus telephone appointments. I have never had a telephone appointment under dermatology or plastics, whether it was good or bad news. The dermatology & plastic's departments in my area are run from 3 different hospitals & I've had appointments at all 3 so, as Jolamine says, it just depends where the consultants are working at the time.

    I hope the results aren't as you fear and remember that, if it is melanoma, caught early treatment is successful in almost 100% of patients. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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