Hi jotpenguin,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand that the uncertainty is difficult and may cause some worries. You mention you were going to call the doctor about this, so hopefully since your post you've been able to find out a bit more.

I'm unsure if it is an urgent referral, but it's quite normal to have the opportunity to speak to a specialist and to get any information that may be needed.

I hope you're able to find out more soon.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi jotpenguin,

I fully understand your worry and I hope you've spoken to your GP by now. 

Many GP's will send photos to Dermatology if they are unsure if the mole is a problem, this is so the experts can make a decision. Teledermatology has been used more over recent years as a triage system, so that GP's aren't having to refer every mole that they are unsure about. What dermatology see on the photos only gives them an indication if the mole looks totally benign or if it needs further examination. In your case, as in many, they will ask the patient in for an appointment so they can take a better look with a dermatascope and then decide if the mole is totally fine or if it needs removing for a definitive diagnosis.

The problem with moles is that they can be totally innocent, or malignant or precancerous (known as atypical or dysplastic) which look dodgy but, when biopsied, are found to be OK - however having them removed is best as they could turn malignant in the future. 

75% of patients referred to Dermatology are found to have benign or atypical moles. Of the 25% of moles found to be melanoma, the majority have been caught quickly and, at early stage, are successfully treated. My advice is to try & turn this worry into a positive, because if the BUPA doctor hadn't highlighted the moles, you wouldn't have been aware they needed checking - if the mole is benign or atypical, you've learned how to spot a dodgy mole & how to check your moles regularly, whereas if it's melanoma, there is every chance it's been caught early & will be treated quickly. 

Try not to stress and I hope you aren't waiting too long for an appointment. If you haven't heard anything in a week & it's causing you anxiety, you could always ring Dermatology at your local hospital & say you are happy to take a last minute cancellation appointment if one comes up (and you are flexible). Coming up to the Christmas season some patients rearrange their appointments before Christmas so you may get seen quicker (I've done this before). 

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thanks so much for the detailed reply Angie, I really appreciate it.  I didn't manage to speak to the GP but did manage to chat to the hospital - apparently it is an urgent referral and I've got an appointment tomorrow at my local hospital to have the moles looked at more quickly.  I guess this is a good thing ultimately - whatever it is it's better to know rather than not. The GP seemed pretty certain that the moles were benign but I guess the consultant who viewed the pics saw something they thought warranted a closer look!  

Good luck today - so glad you got a quick appointment. Let us know how you got on.

I'm so glad all went well and thank you so much for updating us as it will help others in the future. You can now enjoy Christmas x