Hi,

ai derm is used as a triage system - a dermatologist will look at the results & decide if they need to see you in person - this is so they can look at your mole themselves, using a dermascope. The skin cancer specialist nurse sometimes does this & they should be able to tell if the mole looks suspicious enough that they want it to be removed or if it looks fine. If they advise a removal, it will be done at a date, to be arranged, as a day patient under a local anesthetic. The tissue is sent away to be examined & the biopsy result will tell if it's melanoma or benign or precancerous ( also known as dysplastic or atypical). The dermatologist will then arrange an appointment to give the results, whether good or bad - in some cases the nurse may ring.

75% of patients who see a dermatologist are given a clean bill of health so hopefully your mole will be fine. The good thing is that you aren't waiting long to see them & you will know more tomorrow. Good luck & please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)