Hi, 

I had a phone call from dermatology who want to see me tomorrow! It's all moving very fast. Has anyone else been seen by dermatology within 24 hours?? 

Hi,

Yes, I was but that was many years ago. Pre Covid it used to take between a week or two to see dermatology but now, because less people are seeing their GP, the hospitals are getting less referrals. So the quick appointment isn't a reflection on the seriousness of your referral, it just means they have more appointment slots that haven't been filled. If they decide it needs removing you may also find the appointment will be quicker than usual too so don't panic!

Good luck, I hope it turns out to be fine. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

hi

i am in the same position - new mole ( i have many!) on my smallest toe but not under the nail- thought it was a tight trainer - serves me right for taking up lockdown running. Had an e consult with GP and now on 2 week pathway which to be honest has scared the life out of me. It is small and not under the nail but defo new and GP says more worrying because not on a sun exposed area. I am trying to rationalise that speed of referral ( made yesterday called today for more information and to complete an online form and send photos) is a reflection of some changes to service and not that i definitely have cancer but am very worried.

I am sorry if i do this wrong i am trying to post to the forum but am no so much with the technical

thanks

Hi,

I know it's worrying but it's good that your GP has referred you because it will give you peace of mind once you've seen the expert. 

New moles can appear at any time in your life but it's not as common once we reach our 40's. Moles can appear anywhere on the body and they do appear on the feet. It's usually moles on the palm of the hand & sole of the foot that are the most worrying so being on the toe is no more worrying than if it appeared on your arm or torso. Your toes are exposed to the sun in the summer if you wear sandals or when sunbathing!

The speed of your referral is good - it shows that your local hospital has a good system in place where others are failing!

75% of patients referred to dermatology get a clean bill of health so hopefully you will too. Try not to overthink it whilst you are waiting - find something to distract yourself. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie

Dear Angie

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. I have just returned to work after leave so plenty to distract me!. I am trying not to give myself a hard time for not getting it looked at earlier ( had it about 8 weeks but thought it was an injury) but am getting it looked at now. I know it is hard for GPs to give a view from a blurry picture of a little toe so am glad it will be seen in person. Thank you for you calm words. I am thinking even if it is dodgy hopefully getting it early is the best course of action. My mind takes me all over the place as i have lost weight recently but i have to bring myself back to rational thought that i did make changes ( more of that running) and it has not been sudden or a great deal ( i have plenty left) this forum is very helpful in terms of what to expect at the appointment 

x