Hi Sophie,

I know how anxious you must be, being referred & it happening so quickly. Your GP has been great in dealing with you so promptly & the 2 week referral is standard for a mole that looks suspicious. Your referral appointment is also happening slightly quicker than usual because only referrals are being seen face to face at the moment - regular check up appointments for melanoma patients are being done over the phone because of Covid, so there is more time for the dermatologist to see new referrals.

You have been given good advice as to what may happen if the dermatologist thinks the mole needs removing for a biopsy. If it needs removing, it's usually done at a different appointment & it's done as a day surgery patient. Can I just add that 75% of people referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health, either at the referral appointment or after biopsy results are received. A couple of recent posts on this forum have been from people in your position & their biopsies have come back clear, so the odds are in your favour.

If it should turn out to be melanoma it will depend on how deep the melanoma has grown as to what treatment happens next. If early stage, like SDG3, only routine check ups will be necessary for a short period of time. If later stage, further surgery & drug treatment may be necessary, but that only occurs in a small number of new referrals.

Good luck with your appointment and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient) 

Sophie

I have just had photos of my mole taken and been referred under an urgent 2 week referral and had a panic about it but reading all this has put my mind at ease somewhat.

Hope your all well 

Claire Xx

Hi all

I had to send picture on an App for a mole that had changed and received a text today for the 9th June. No mention of urgent but is this considered urgent of within 2 weeks. Reading this thread has definitely helped but I'm still really worried. Ever since I've noticed the mole that area feels different. Not sure if my anxiety is making it so or something is wrong. 
 

Sophie x

Hi all

I had to send picture on an App for a mole that had changed and received a text today for the 9th June. No mention of urgent but is this considered urgent of within 2 weeks. Reading this thread has definitely helped but I'm still really worried. Ever since I've noticed the mole that area feels different. Not sure if my anxiety is making it so or something is wrong. 
 

Sophie x

Hi Sophie,

Sorry, I've just seen your post. How did your appointment go on Wednesday? I hope all went well,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)