Hi,

I know it's a very worrying time for you and you won't definately know if the mole is OK until the results come back, but the dermatologist's remark sounds encouraging. As you know, only a biopsy can give a 100% correct result, however dermatologists, with years of experience, can sometimes tell if something looks malignant. If they are unsure or think there is a chance it is malignant they wouldn't make any encouraging comment like that - they would 'sit on the fence' rather than sound too hopeful or they would even say they think it may be malignant (my dermatologist took one look at my mole & said it looked like melanoma even before it had been removed). So if it was me, with all my years of seeing dermatologists, I would hope that the dermatologist is correct and that it comes back as a dysplastic navus. If it comes back as cancerous, even dermatologists can sometimes get it wrong but it doesn't happen often.

For results they usually contact you & make an appointment to give you the result face to face, whether good or bad. However, your fast track service (which is rare) may mean that good news may be given over the phone or by letter, but I'm only surmising. Results are taking, on average 4 weeks so if you haven't heard anything by the third week perhaps contact them and ask for an update. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Thank you for your reply Angie. I really hope both you and the dermatologist are right! It's such a scary time waiting. I feel like my life is on pause. My partner has been great but he's got to the stage where he's saying "if it is then it is, no amount of worrying will change the outcome, we'll just deal with it" easier said than done when it's not him personally going through it. I was lucky to be seen and dealt with so quickly. It's a new process my local hospital have. It's a one stop clinic. They've only just started it. So I was seen by a doctor, had a skin check, asked a few questions, then I saw the dermatologist who used the dermascope thing to have a closer look, then I was on the operating table an hour later having it taken out. Its healing ok. It's just really itchy at the moment. It will be 10 days on friday and that's when I have my stitches out. I hope they are as quick and efficient with the results as they were in seeing me. When ever my phone rings or the post box goes I'm terrified! Fingers crossed for a good outcome. How are you getting on now? I hope you're doing well. Did you just have the one mole? Or have you had a few removed? Thanks again for your response and I will let you know how I get on xxx

Thank you for your reply. I've been trying to get hold of my dermatologists secretary to see what their procedure is, but she never answers her phone. Nightmare. Ill try again tomorrow. Fingers crossed and thank you again for replying xxx

It sounds like a good system your hospital has started - let's hope others follow suit. I hope the results are as speedy for you. The itching you are having is the wound healing so it's a good sign.

I've had 8 mole or lesion removals over the years after the first was diagnosed as melanoma. Thankfully the others were benign. Sadly the original melanoma progressed and spread to my lymph nodes but I've been OK for 10 years and hopefully that will continue.

Oh I'm sorry to hear that Angie. Have you had to have any medication for it? Chemo etc? I don't know how it all works and it scares me so much. I had a letter today from the hospital just with information about what happened on the day. Its not the results, just an attendance letter. It says: 

Diagnosis: possible dysplastic nevus, sent for excision.

Assessment: had for at least 6 years

Size: 5mm - Regular border.

Change in colour: unsure of change as on back.

No symptoms.

Then it says, dermascopy findings: globular pigment deposition, consistent with possible dysplastic nevus, full skin examination was otherwise unremarkable. Reassured other moles were normal. Informed results will be sent to her, or she will be brought to clinic earlier if required. 

I don't really get it all or what to take from it. I'm still so scared. I just wish the results will hurry up. As I'm still not sure how I'm going to get them. Sorry to got on about it to you Angie. After all you've been through, I'm probably the last thing you need xxx

Hi,

The letter you received looks very encouraging. Basically, other than the mole you had removed there was nothing else of concern to the dermatologist. The mole itself looks like a dysplastic mole but only a biopsy can definitely determine that. Dysplastic moles are benign but they have the ability to turn cancerous in the future if left & that's why they like to remove them. It also looks like they will send you the results by post if it was benign or call you in for an appointment if it was positive for melanoma. I know it's a very worrying time but I think your consultant sounds confident in their initial assessment so hopefully that's the case.

I, myself, only had surgery to remove the lymph nodes in my groin & pelvis in an attempt to stop any further spread. As that was 10 years ago it seems to have done the trick, fingers crossed. These days they also provide immunotherapy or targeted drug treatment for a year to help stop any progression or recurrence so it's much more hopeful for melanoma patients these days.

Good luck & let us know what results you get,

Angie

Thank you for your reply again Angie ♡ 

I really do hope you're right and that the dermatologist is also right. I will definitely let you know when I have the results. Its 10 days today! 

Thanks again for your help and I hope you continue with a full bill of health for many, many years to come ♡ xxx

Hi Angie, 

I just wanted to let you know that I had my results on monday (my dermatologists receptionist gave me a call) and they said all was dine and there are no signs of melanoma. It was a displastic nevus thankfully. So I don't need any more treatment. Its was all quite speedy. It was literally 3 weeks from my initial gp appointment to getting my results! I just wanted to say thank you for your help and in speaking to me. I hope you continue to stay well and can continue moving forward. You are amazing xxx

That's wonderful news. Thanks for letting us know. Take care x