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Mole/ menaloma referral from dermatology, loads of questions!

rhi_rhi1982
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Hi

Sorry about this I have sooo many questions.

I went for my 2WW today and have been referred for a face to face for 2 of the 3 moles I had been referred to dermatology for.

I came armed with a million questions for today's appointment but the person who saw me was unable to provide me with any information.

If any of you could help with any of my questions below, I'd be very grateful!

Firstly - I assume the face to face is that I'll be having a biopsy - is this correct?

I had been told by my GP in the initial referral that I would have mole mapping during this appointment, but they wouldn't look at ones outside of the ones I was referred for, and I didn't receive a full check at the GP. I have plenty that fail the ABCDE test (and I believe at least some always have been that way). I am covered in moles so it's tricky to keep track! Will I receive mole mapping during my face to face appointment?

I also have private cover with BUPA - comprehensive and full cancer cover. It's got a large excess and I'll lose my no claims bonus, which I'll struggle to afford but absolutely will use them if necessary. Other than improved waiting times/diagnosis times is there any other benefits to using that over NHS? I'm due a call in 2 days and I'm just wondering if there's any other factors I should be considering if they can see me quickly?

Sorry if I've rambled, just trying to face this in the most informed way possible.

Thank you!

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm confused - when you say you went to a 2WW do you mean the referral to dermatology that your GP made? Have they (consultant or nurse) then said that 2 of your 3 moles need removing & have given you another appointment? If so, the appointment will be for a pre-op to explain the surgical removal & biopsy procedure. You will then get an appointment to go for day surgery which will be under a local anaesthetic. Results of the biopsy will then take a few weeks to come back.

    I don't understand why the GP mentioned mole mapping - only a small handful of hospitals provide this as they need a special, very expensive, machine. The GP may have confused mole mapping with a cursory check of all your moles (GPs aren't trained to do this). If the first dermatologist didn't look at your other moles, ask at the next appointment but not all consultants/nurses do a thorough check. Some private mole clinics provide mole mapping - I know a few patients that pay for an annual mole mapping check at private clinics.

    It used to be faster going privately, however that's not really the case since Covid as the NHS & Private dermatologists have similarly long waiting lists. When you speak to dermatology ask them how long it will be for the surgical removal. You could then contact a private dermatologist & ask how long it would be if you went privately and then consider your options - I think there may be a difference of only a week between the two. Also, should you be diagnosed with melanoma, you can carry on being treated privately but everyone I know tends to go back to the NHS as they are much better geared up to dealing with melanoma patients. Most private dermatologists also work for the NHS.

    I hope this helps & good luck. Please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi - thank you for this. I went to dermatology but saw a nursing assistant who took photos and 2 needed referral so I was given a slip to say I needed a face to face appointment. She was unable to answer any questions about what this involved. I was told by my GP that they'd check all my moles, I assume cursory now you've given a better description, but she would only look at the moles identified by the GP.

    thank you for clarifying all this for me, I'll certainly speak to them about waiting times. I spoke to BUPA yesterday but they need all the information from the NHS before being able to give me any information so I guess I am just waiting for now!

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