Hi MB45

I had a mole checked and it was suspected melonoma.  A biopsy was done within a couple weeks which confirmed it. The excision was about 4 to 5 weeks later.  I believe this is fairly normal but can be quite a while longer.. This has happened twice to me as I had a lump appear close to the original mole which they called a satellite. This all started a couple of years ago and so far there has been no spread. I am also undergoing immunotherapy to hopefully prevent any spread. So far so good. Let me know how you get on.

Tony 82

Thanks very much for the info Tony. Glad to hear things have gone well for you, wishing you all the best! 

Hi,

Unfortunately this is currently standard in the UK. Some hospitals are taking longer than others so the wait can be anything from 6 to 8 weeks for a biopsy excision. A lack of dermatologists, haematologists, the Covid backlog and more people seeking medical assessment due to worrying lesions is causing these delays. Even private consultations/surgery is taking a long time. All I can suggest, if you haven't already done so, is to tell the hospital that you are happy to take a cancellation if one comes up (if you are able to drop everything at short notice). 

Good luck & I hope all goes well. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thanks so much for your reply Angie! I had asked about cancellations and actually got a call this morning offering one, which brings my appointment forward by almost four weeks - feeling very lucky!