Hello rainstorm82, 

I think it might be worth asking your dermatologist at your next appointment to explain what it all means and why you need to come back for these biopsies and the skin excision. They will be familiar with the process and will be able to explain things fully to you. Try not to worry too much if you can or to draw any conclusions until you get a full diagnosis. If you can, resist the temptation to look things up online as it will often only bring up worst case scenarios and make you worry even more. One of our members [@AngieT]‍ is very familiar with the melanoma diagnostic process and may have further information for you on how it all works. 

I hope you get some answers soon. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you Lucie 

I found out today that my biopsies and skin exicions have now  been scheduled for 2 weeks not 2 months which is a relief. I will try not to go down the Google rabbit hole but it's difficult not to ! I have had neck pain for several days and today noticed a lot of pain in my right collarbone which I hope is not related to lymph nodes ? I take medication for depression and anxiety and have a young family so I am finding this all very  difficult - especially just not knowing one way or the other. The photos I have taken of the lesions have also come back as high risk using an app called skin vision. I will do my best to follow your advice though and keep away from the melanoma stories on the internet until I know for certain what I'm dealing  with. I always feel blessed and lucky to be able to access the wonderful NHS at times like this. 

Hi,

I'm sorry I've only just seen your post.

It's good that you don't have long to wait for your excision to take place - it doesn't automatically mean it's melanoma, it just means that a biopsy is needed to ascertain what it is and melanoma is just one of the possibilities. The other options are it's benign or it's dysplastic (atypical). Dysplastic lesions look dodgy but are benign, however they have the ability to turn cancerous if left in situ so it's best they are removed. Also, the skin app is good but it's not foolproof - it can sometimes give false positives so it's best used as a nudge  to get moles or lesions checked out which you are doing already. So please try not to worry that it's a done deal it's skin cancer.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Angie 

Thanks so much for your reassuring message. I have come down off the ceiing a bit now and am trying not to think about it too much but It's hard not to worry - even though  I know that acheives nothing. I will hopefully know soon what the position is and will let you know the outcome.

Thanks again 

Hi Angie,

My husband has just been diagnosed with melanoma just yesterday, he is still on the ceiling. He is now waiting for an appointment  to see the consultant. His is on his head as he has got a bald head

Good luck to you

Joyce x

Hi Joyce 

I am sorry to hear about your husband's melanoma diagnosis and it must be a worrying time for you both. On a positive note though at least his melanoma has now been identified and I hope hie will feel less anxious once he has seen his consultant and discussed a treatment plan.
I am still awaiting the results of my biopsies - maybe [@AngieT]‍ 

can offer you some advice as I understand she is familiar with the melanoma diagnostic process. 
I wish your husband all the very best with his treatment. 
 

Thank you rainstorm, I replied to Joyce (Basil1812) on her post.

Angie x

Hi [@AngieT]‍ 

I recently received a letter about my results - the dermatologist has said that one of the lesions  

Iwas a dysplastic melanocytic naevi - and the other an angio keratoma. Both have been removed so should not bother me again. Thanks for your advice and reassurance . I feel very relieved as I had virtually convinced myself I had skin cancer - I must learn to stay away from Dr Google. I wish anyone else reading this all the very best if they have been diagnosed with skin cancer or are awaiting diagnosis and I hope their treatment goes well.