Melanoma Diagnosis Waiting Time

Hi everyone, I’ve found this forum incredibly informative and would like to ask some advice if that’s okay?

I went to the GP on 15th May for a suspicious mole, it is asymmetrical, wavy borders, mixed colours and approx 6mm. It’s been there a while but I didn’t think anything of it until I stumbled across melanoma information.

GP took photos and referred for Teledermatology on the 2 week referral for suspected Melanoma. I saw in my NHS app they had an appointment for them to review on 21st May. My referral letter advised to ring the general outpatient number if I hadn’t heard, so I did later that day. I was advised they would write to me.

On 22nd May, my NHS app shows I’m on a waiting list which could be 16 weeks with no further information.

On 24th May I received the consultant letter saying they couldn’t diagnose and I’d need to see them. They will contact me about an appointment when it’s available.

My question is, will I have to wait 16 weeks to be seen as shown in the NHS app, or does this still fall under the 28 day cancer pathway? There’s a dermatology department number and email on the letter, would it be reasonable to contact them on Tuesday? Naturally, the long weekend doesn’t help with nerves.

Thanks for your help

  • Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Troy although I'm sorry for the confusion surrounding your appointment.

    There's no harm in giving the dermatology department a call if you have a number for them as they will be able to tell you more.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been on this pathway will share their experiences and advice with you soon as well, but if it would help to discuss this further with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. 

    I hope you're able to get some answers soon Troy and that you won't have to wait too long to be seen.

    All the best,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Steph,

    Thank you for your reply. I rang the Dermatology department this morning and they advised I should have an appointment 23 days after my referral so that will take me to next Saturday (7th June). They will write to me once the appointment is booked. I did let them know I’m available short notice for cancellations so hopefully I’ll be seen soon.

    Thank you 

  • That's great to hear Troy. Fingers crossed you'll get something through soon.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Just to update, went to clinic on Thursday and doctor said there seemed to be a grey area in the darker part of the mole. Not sure if I’ve interpreted that as there’s come grey colour, or a grey area meaning she wasn’t sure. Either way she opted to do an excision biopsy. Should hopefully get results at clinic on Friday 20th, fingers crossed it’s positive!