Suspected Melanoma Biopsy results - how long is the wait?

Hi everyone, 

A couple of weeks ago I had an excisional biopsy removal of a suspected melanoma (dermatologist's words), and I'm anxiously waiting to hear the results. It's been a couple of weeks and I've not heard anything, I was wondering if that's a good sign? Can I read anything into that? If you had a mole removal how long did it take for the results? 

Thanks 

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat ellebelle although I'm sorry for the reason you find yourself here.

    If you're anxious about the results have you thought about contacting your GP and chasing it up? If you do this you may be able to find out where they are which will hopefully put your mind at ease. Our cancer nurses may also be able to answer some of your questions so do give them a call. They are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040, which is free to call from a UK landline.

    I hope this helps ellebelle and you don't have to wait too much longer to find out your results. Do come back and let us know what happens, we'll have our fingers crossed for good news.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, thank you for the reply! 

    I've now got a follow-up appointment with the consultant next week, however when I called my GP they didn't have the results yet. Is it normal to have an appointment for both good and bad news? I was half-expecting to be told results via letter if it was good news? Sorry for the questions I just really want to find out, like, yesterday, whether it's good news or not! Haha. Everyone keeps telling me that because it's been a few weeks it must be good news but I don't know whether they're right or not? 

     

     

  • You don't need to apologise as it's perfectly natural to want to know how everything works. Unfortunately I can't answer these questions but do make sure you call our cancer nurses as they will be able to tell you more.

    Good luck with your appointment next week and let us know how you get on. We'll have our fingers crossed for good news.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi hun I was just wondering what your results were? I'm in same position as you xx

  • Hi I'm in same boat.

    Hope you all had good results since posting.

    I'm 10 days post excision and anxiously waiting. 

  • Hi I had suspected melonoma removed from my leg 2 weeks ago, I have not yet received results I have phoned my gp who has not yet recieved any results, is this normal to wait this long, I feel so down, it’s the not knowing . Also I go on holiday soon and would like the results before I go 

  • Hi nikkimargery,

    Results used to come through within 2 weeks, however histology departments are getting much busier and this can cause a delay in the consultants receiving them. Also, delays can be caused if the results are positive as the results have to be discussed at a Multi Disciplinary Meeting to agree on the treatment plan. All this is done before the GP and the patient receives the results. 

    It's normal for the nursing staff to tell you, on discharge after the mole excision, how long the results will take (most hospitals now say 2 - 4 weeks). If you weren't advised as to the waiting time I suggest you contact the secretary of the consultant you initially saw and ask if your results are back. They can't tell you the results but they may be able to give you an indication of how much longer you have to wait. Tell them you are going away on holiday so that you don't miss an appintment they may send you in the post.

    Good luck and I hope your results bring you good news,

    Angie (melanoma patient)