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Waiting on Mole Excision Biopsy results - has anyone waited the maximum length of time and told they were benign?

ChrissyJ
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Hi,

On 9th January 2026 I had two moles removed for suspected melanoma on the same arm; a tiny mole on the shoulder that I noticed as one side was shaded darker than the other and it was slightly raised apart from that it was causing me no problems and the other the Consultant noticed whilst checking that arm as looking slightly abnormal sue to shape and colouring smudging/spilling slightly at the edges. He wrote a letter to my GP stating they could both be slightly dysplastic.

I am 4 weeks waiting results as of today and the waiting is causing me severe anxiety. I was informed after surgery that the waiting times are between 3 to 5 weeks and if I hear nothing after 5 weeks to phone clinic. I feel that if everything was benign I would have heard by now as it would be a quicker process through the lab and a simple letter to send out. I can't help thinking its cancer, possibly both moles and this is why I am still waiting.

Has anyone waited the maximum length of time to be told they were benign? Just feeling so anxious, not helped by losing both my parents to cancer within 6 months of one another a few years previously.

Thank you

CJ

  • I'm so sorry to hear how long you've been waiting for your biopsy results CJ, and for the severe anxiety this is causing.

    This must be incredibly tough, but I hope this guide we have on how to cope with the wait and the tips the NHS have on managing anxiety will help you through this last week of waiting.

    Our members know just how stressful it is to go through this CJ, so you are not alone, and hopefully you will receive some support and advice from our community soon.

    If it would help to have a chat with one of our nurses about this, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to support you.

    We really do hope you hear something soon CJ, and that you receive good news when the time comes.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi,

    I know how stressful it is waiting for biopsy results. I'm afraid the order in which they are returned doesn't work like that. Unless a consultant marks the sample as 'Very Urgent' (which is rare) samples are examined in the order in which histology receive them. The results are then received back at dermatology & discussed at the Multi Disciplinary Team meeting (MDT). All results, whether good or bad, are discussed by the dermatologist, plastic surgeon, oncologist & cancer nurse and the decision is made as to the next step - if benign - discharge, if melanoma - treatment plan. The patient is then given an appointment date to receive the news. Some consultants will ring or write to the patient if it's benign but most prefer to give all results face to face.

    A 3 to 5 week wait is actually one of the shortest waiting times currently - sadly most trusts are running at 6 to 8 weeks for results - this is due to a lack of histologists. I know it's difficult but try to sit tight & hopefully you'll hear something this week. If not, ring them as instructed & hopefully the results, when they arrive, bring good news. Please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thank you so much for your reply. I will try my best to keep occupied this week and take my mind off the waiting as much as I can although it is always there. I appreciate your links and will read those.

    Kind regards,

    CJ

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

    Thank you for your informative reply, I do appreciate you taking the time to answer. My husband remarked on how very busy it was in the waiting room the day I had my surgery so I can imagine they have an awful large of biopsies to view and discuss. Knowing that 3 to 5 weeks is a short time compared to most I will think of that this week and give it extra time for my results to come through before I contact the department. I think our minds can play games with us when we are waiting for results and we start to attempt to work out if it were good or bad how this would determine the waiting times when in reality we have no idea. 

    I hope you do not mind me asking how your situation is at present? Are you currently having treatment and/or regular checks? I have noticed when reading through other posts on here that you help and give advice to so many others which is extremely kind of you. Thank you.

    Kind regards,

    CJ

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