Hi,

I can understand your worry but please don't panic. The reason the dermatologist gave you a 30% chance is because they can't really say one way or another by just looking at a mole. If they saw you in person they would use a dermascope & this would show if there was any suspicious cell activity in the mole. In this case their percentage would go up or down! Only a biopsy can give a 100% result so the dermatologist was 'hedging his bets'. 

All that being said, 75% of referrals that see a dermatologist are given a clean bill of health so the dermatologist was working within these statistics! After years of having many moles removed (after my melanoma diagnosis) and all being benign, I know how difficult it is for dermatologists to give a % chance. I'm assuming that the other mole you had removed was atypical (dysplastic)? If so, it's not unusual for those with an atypical mole to suffer another one in the future. Hopefully this one will be the same.

Good luck with the removal & results. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Angie, thanks very much for your reply. I actually sent him a photo taken with a USB microscope, so the photo while likely not the standard of a Dermoscope, was still more detailed than your average photo I suppose. I guess thats what makes the 30% more worrying. Although I suppose I could flip it and say it's less likely to be cancer than the chances that it is. 

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, although glad that moles since have been benign. I was never actually told wether my previous mole was atypical, but it certainly looked it. I wasn't able to get an appointment due to the coronavirus fears, but have got a phone appointment so hopefully I can get a referral from description alone.

I'm finding it very hard to cope and although this is usual for me, all of my previous worries have been self made whereas this is the first time someone has actually told me something could be cancer. It all sounds so selfish but I've lost a lot of close family to the disease and seen such terrible things. I just wish it was off now so I could atleast know what I am or aren't dealing with. 
 

Lucy

Hi guys, I just wanted to give an update to help anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation. 

The mole ended up benign with no dysplasia :) 

This is despite it changing quite significantly (alot darker and becoming raised in one part), trauma and it being large in size. 

My results took over 4 weeks which had me convinced meant that it was bad news, but it just shows you that most of the time, even when things seem scary, it usually turns out ok. I just wanted to put this out there because I know that it seems like there are mainly bad outcomes, but that's probably just because all the good ones fortunately don't need the support anymore and dissapear. 

Thank you SO much Angie for your support, it means the world to me and I see how much you help everyone on this forum and you are one of the kindest souls I've ever come across. I'm so glad you are doing so well. 

Lucy x

Hi Lucy,

I'm so glad that your results are benign and that you've posted them on the forum - it will help give hope to others & show them that not all dodgy moles turn out to be cancerous! Thank you also for your kind words, it means a lot. I wish you all the best ,

Angie x

I got my results via post, but I think it depends on your local area/their practices. Did your consultant not mention how you would get the results? You could always give their secertary/your GP a ring and ask :) Hope you get good results soon x

Hi,

Pre Covid, most consultants would send an appointment for the patient to get their results face to face - whether good or bad. However, as consultants are trying to minimise patients visits to hospitals, some are sending the results to GPs for them to pass them on to their patient - these are usually the ones that don't necessitate a repeat appointment to dermatology. 

The hospital should have given you information regarding how long results would take & in what manner they would be given. If you have been waiting over 4 weeks (the average waiting time) I suggest you ring the hospital & enquire if the results are back and when you might be hearing from them.

Good luck and I hope you aren't waiting too long and they bring you good news. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie