Yesterday I had 2 moles removed that the dermatologist was concerned with. Just wondering how long others waited for results as I have been told 4-6 weeks…. So long.
I'm sorry to hear that you're currently waiting for biopsy results after recently having 2 moles removed. We know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty can be difficult.
From the many posts we've seen here on the forum, there is certainly a longer wait than most people would like for dermatology results. We know across the UK, people are waiting many weeks, and in some cases months, to get their results. If you've not heard from the dermatology team within the time frame that you were given, then do give them a call to find out when you may hear some news.
In the meantime, we have some tips and advice on coping with waiting for news that you may find helpful. If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
I hope that you have some answers and reassurance soon. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.
One question… I know you may not be able to answer. But is it possible to transfer my biopsies to a private route so I can get the results quicker? Thanks
I don't know if you can transfer biopsies, but I will say that we know from the posts we've seen here on the forum that there is a general shortage of dermatology specialists across the UK and that going down the route of private care doesn't necessarily seem to make things any quicker at the moment.
You can always get in touch with the dermatology team to ask for advice.
Sorry me again, I spoke to GP today and they mentioned I was referred on a 2 week wait so my results shouldn’t tale 6 weeks… should only be 2 weeks ♀️
The Faster Diagnosis Standard replaced the Cancer Pathway in 2023. The 'Standard' states that patients should receive their results within 2 weeks of a biopsy, however, the NHS is badly failing to achieve that target (for all cancer biopsies) due to many things, the main one being a lack of histologists. Some biopsies also take longer depending on the cancer type - skin cancer, including melanoma, takes longer due to a lack of dermatologists. Sadly, the average waiting time is 6 to 8 weeks for results for suspected melanoma - this is across the UK. Your GP, whilst trying to be helpful, is quoting from the FDS and has no knowledge of the current waiting times for biopsies in a secondary care (hospital) setting. Even some consultants/nurses give the wrong information (dermatologists versus Plastic Surgeons). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/worried-about-cancer/cancer-waiting-times
Once the results come back they are discussed at the MDT (Multi Disciplinary Meeting). The Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeon, Oncologist & Cancer Nurses discuss all results, whether good or bad, and decide the next step - discharge for negative results, appointment for treatment for positive results. The patient is then given an appointment to receive the results. So a lack of histologists and dermatologists (and more patients becoming skin aware & getting their moles checked) is causing this backlog of results.
The hardest part of all this is the waiting - all you can do is keep yourself busy to distract yourself at the moment. If you haven't heard anything by the 5th week (seeing as they told you 4 to 6 weeks) contact Dermatology and ask if the results are back yet - they may be able to give you an idea as to how much longer you will be waiting.
