Gp referred me to see skin specialist about moles

Hello everyone. I'm new here. I've had moles pretty much all through child hood and never really thought much about them. I have one on my arm that has changed colour slightly and have got one big on on my leg that has 4 dark freckles inside it. The colour change has been like this for a very long time. I decided to ring docs and they took a look of them on face time and told me that they don't look like melanoma but to be safe he referred me to the speacialist were they can look further into anyone else in the same boat? How long did u wait for an appointment and what happened at the appointment. I am very scared :(

  • Hi Kayleigh, I have replied to you on the other post that you commented on & Fiberwick gave you advice as to what to expect. Appointments are varying at each hospital due to the virus. Some are delaying appointments whilst others are doing video/phone appointments at first. Normally (if referred as urgent) you would be seen within 2 weeks. I would suggest that you contact your local hospital dermatology clinic if you haven't heard anything in 3 weeks, just to ensure you are on their referral list. 

    The appointment isn't scary so please don't be afraid. They usually check the mole with a dermascope which shows any suspicious cells in the mole. If it does they will arrange for it to be removed on another day - this is done as a day patient & only takes 10 minutes but excise under local but the whole procedure (booking in, recovery etc) takes about 2 hours. You then get an appointment to see the consultant for the results.

    You have a very good chance that your mole will be fine but don't worry, you will be in good hands. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Thankyou so much angie for replying to me and giving me information it really helps me ease my mind a little. I really do hope I see them face to face rather than video chat looking forward to the world going back to normal again. Thankyou very much will update with results xx

  • Hi Kayleigh

    I have had several moles removed that were more than one colour and when tested turned out to be benign.   You are doing the right thing, they should check all moles at the appointment and will remove any they are concerned about before they have the chance to cause any problems.   The procedure is quick, local anaesthetic and then you won't feel a thing and that's only if they think it necessary.

    It is normal for doctors to refer you straightaway, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong just that they don't have the equipment to check them themselves.   Best wishes, I'm sure you'll be fine.

    Jan

  • Thanks so much for your reply Jan I really appreciate it you've put my mind at rest my appointment is tomorrow afternoon x