Skin Surgery, SMS Text Appointment, No Letter

So I had skin surgery to identify a cause of a red rash looking blemish from a mole and it's been 4 weeks now and I've had a text message confirming another appointment (little over a week away since the text was sent from NHS, which seems urgent) but still haven't received a letter in the post informing me of results. Obviously just curious and wondering a little as it could be a possible skin cancer[?] Does anyone know based on the urgency for a future appointment if there is a cause for concern or could it just be a follow up and further diagnosis for something else (not skin cancer)?

  • Hi,

    Please don't assume that a 'quick' appointment means it's bad news - it can sometimes just be down to how heavy or light the hospital histology's workload is. 5 weeks between biopsy excision & results is about the average waiting time at some hospitals so it doesn't necessarily indicate something serious. Some hospitals give you an appointment as you leave after surgery - usually for between 4 - 8 weeks later to allow time for the results to be received back. If they get them back sooner they contact you to rearrange the appointment. In your case, your hospital send you an appointment once they've received the results. If you haven't had an appointment letter I suggest you contact the dermatology department and confirm the appointment details sent on the text - you never know, they may be able to 'let something slip' to ease your worry.

    Good luck and please let us know how you got on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)