Hi MattG,

I can understand your anxiety, especially as the first consultant didn't think they needed removing. As with any type of medical problem, consultants can sometimes disagree as to what needs further testing - that is why some patients ask for a second opinion! Atypical (dysplastic) moles are difficult to diagnose as they look dodgy but turn out to be benign - however they have the ability to turn cancerous if left in situ so consultants prefer to remove them anyway.

Your uncle's use of statistics is helpful, although I wouldn't use the mortality rate to try & calm someones anxieties! I prefer to use the following statistics given to us by a consultant at the Melanoma Patients Conference this year - 75% of people referred to a dermatologist end up with a clean bill of health, whether it be from the initial examination or after removal and biopsy. So your odds for it to be fine are very high. I hope this helps a little. Sadly melanoma cannot be found by a blood test - research is currently underway in Australia to find a blood test that will be successful as a diagnostic tool. 

I know it's easier said than done to say try & relax & put it to the back of your mind for the moment - the waiting between appointments is actually the hardest part of all this. The best thing to try & distract yourself is to spend time with your family, throw yourself into your house move, exercise of any kind, fresh air, meditation and mindfulness are all helpful to keep the stress to a minimum. Your glass is still half full as you haven't got a diagnosis yet & there is a very good chance the results will bring good news. Don't waste time on worrying about what hasn't happened yet - you can't get that time back, especially at this time of year. And DON'T Google! It's behind the times with research (which is moving at a fast rate) and it only gives worse case scenarios! 

Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi Angie,

I really appreciate your feedback and information you have provided.

I had them both removed and to be honest that was a fairly painless procedure. The nurse and her assistant were both fantastic. Whether they should or not they tried to reassure me by mentioning that if the consultant was really worried he would have removed them on the first occassion and that the second consultant hasn't raised that she has any concerns on her notes in terms of them been nasty?

I think you are right I will try my best to put it to one side, enjoy Christmas and what will be will be.

I will let you know the outcome.

MattG

Hi Angie,

It has been 4 weeks now and still no results. I phoned this morning and the lady said she would chase up the Lab, however, did reassure me that majoirty of tests have been delayed due to the christmas period.

The lady phoned back later, they have the received the note authorised from the lab for one of the moles and the other mole should take another week. The lady did say they can not give me the result from the first mole until they have the second result.

As you can imagine my initial reaction was panic thinking that the second mole has to be retested etc. I am just hoping that if the first mole is sinister they wouldn't wait for the result for the second mole, but crack on with a treatment plan unless I am being naive.

Iv'e even started googling would Level 3/4 Melanoma show on a full blood count and can't find an answer either way. I just want a result either way so I know what I'm dealing with.

I guess my only frustration is the lack of communication or I am expecting too much? This is the first time I have had to deal with anything remotely serious with my health/ body apart from been diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 21.

Hi Matt,

The average wait for results at the moment is 6 weeks so I'm afraid you may have a few more days before you hear anything. They won't give you the results until they have everything back - one taking longer than the other doesn't signify anything, it just depends how they allocate the samples when they are received at histology.

Unfortunately melanoma of any stage doesn't show up in blood tests. In Australia they have been carrying our research to find a blood test that may be able to do this. I believe they are currently trialling a test they've devised - if it's successful it will take some time before it's available over here.

I hope you aren't waiting too much longer and that the results bring you good news. Please let us know how it goes,

Angie

Thanks Angie appreciate the feedback. I will let you knwo the outcome

Hi Angie,

Just wanted to update you I received my results yesterday all clear. I was geniunely expecting the worst, knowing that I'm naturally a freckly individual with a number of atypical moles and I burnt alot when I was a child/ teenager. 

The positive from this experience is that I will definitely ensure I cover up in the sun moving forward and ensure I keep an eye on my moles. Feel very blessed.

Thanks again Angie  

That's brilliant news Matt. As you say, at least you have learned about sun safety - try & pass it on to your friends and family to keep everyone safe. Thanks for updating us - it gives others hope that not every mole is dangerous.

Angie