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Mole Biopsy Results - consultants secretary

PeppaG
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Hello,

I'm just wondering if anyone had experienced similar with a secretary.

I had a mole removed just over 2 weeks ago as it had changed size, colour and shape and become itchy. Due to family history (father had skin cancer, grandmother had cancerous moles) I was put on the 2 week fast track. I was seen by a consultant in dermatology at the hospital on Monday the 24th of Feb and they removed it on the 28th of Feb.

i'm feeling really anxious about it due to how much the mole had changed and my family history, I have two small children and this is constantly on my mind so today I decided to call the consultants secretary to see if my results had arrived. She said they had come back today but she's unable to give details as my consultant doesn't review histology samples until the end of the week so I'll likely hear something early next week after she's looked at them on Friday. I explained that I'm really anxious and would she be able to tell me if they were ok or not, she said "hang on a second let me see" she was away for a few minutes and then came back on the phone and said "yes sorry I can't go into detail but you should hear something by early next week"

 

I know GP receptionists are able to tell you if things are clear over the phone, I felt like she went to check and saw that it wasn't normal and that's why she couldn't tell me. 
 

I think it sounds like bad news? I mean I hope it's not but it sounds like she was prepared to tell me everything was ok and then checked and saw something bad and went back to saying she wasn't able to tell me. I'm not trying to be doom and gloom but want to be realistic.

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    No, this is usual practice as they are only secretaries and not able to give out private information and it also has to be seen and written up by the consultant.  So don't take this as bad news, some results can take weeks before you are told the outcome.  Carol

  • Offline in reply to Dor06

    Hi Carol,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, do you think there was a reason she went to check? I know she has been secretary for my consultant for 17 years so she should know protocol re giving results. It just sounded like she was going to.

    I will hold on to what you've said and try and stay positive.

  • Offline in reply to PeppaG

    She was probably being polite as she will be asked this every day, its easier saying she'll check than arguing with the patient, as a secretary in a previous life I know all the tricks in the book!  Keep us informed.  Carol 

  • Offline in reply to Dor06

    You've made me feel much better, I'd have never argued with her but I completely understand your point. I'll be sure to update ️

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    Hi Peppa,

    Try not to second guess these things. Had she told you the results over the phone (good or bad) she could easily lose her job. As a former NHS manager I've personally been involved in disciplinary proceedings under very similar circumstances. 

    To be honest, it is bad practice even for GP's receptionist to give out this information over the phone. 

     

    Good luck with your results!

    Dave

     

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    Hi,

    The reason she couldn't tell you the results is because, even though they are back & your consultant has probably read them, they first have to be discussed at a Multi Disciplinary Meeting (MDT). This is where all results (whether good or bad) are discussed by the dermatologist, plastic surgeon, oncologist & nurses & the next step agreed upon (discharge, monitoring or further surgery/treatment). Until this has happened they shouldn't tell you the result. The secretary was probably checking to see if the consultant could give any indication that she could pass on to you - sometimes a consultant will do that with a long term patient but it's not something they often do.

    So please don't think that it's because she found out it was bad news & couldn't tell you. This is the recognised route & it happens to everyone. MDT's only occur once a week so it sounds like theirs is at the end of the week & that is why you can't be informed until next week. It's hard, I know, but hopefully the wait will bring you good news. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

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