Hello Kay85

I'm sorry to hear that you're waiting on an appointment to see the dermatologist. It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about things. 

I do know that subungual melanoma is uncommon so hopefully the sepcialist will be able to give you some reassurance at your appointment. 
I'm unsure if the Consultant will do a biopsy at your first appointment. From the posts I've read here on the forum over the years it seems to depend on the clinic set up in different areas and sometimes the patients particular circumstances. I'm going to tag in [@AngieT]‍ who may be able to help with a little more insight as Angie has been living with melanoma for many years and is much more knowledgable that I am! :happy:

If you have concerns then do give the clinic or Consultants secretary a call beforehand as I'm sure they will be able to answer some o fyour questions. 

Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your appointment. Do let us know how you get on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi Kay85,

I can only reiterate what Jenn has said. Dermatology clinics are set up to either make a later appointment when the biopsy sample can be removed as a day patient by a Plastic Surgeon in a general operating theatre or to remove it there and then in an adjacent clinical area. So I'm afraid you won't know the set up until you attend your appointment. 

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

Angie (melanoma patient)

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me!

I still have not heard anything from the referral so hoping I hear today and will ask when they call what to expect!

take care and thank you again

I can share my experience, although it might not be the same - it might help

I went to my GP with a thin brown line on my nail in Feb, referred to Dermatology under 2ww

Dermatology took a look at my nail, and decided to keep it under observation and I had a clinical picture taken

Went back in August as the line had got wider, and dermatologist referred me to the plastic surgeon, I then had an appt with plastic surgeon in September where he took a look and decided what type of biopsy to do, and then I got booked in for day surgery with the plastic surgeon for the actual biopsy. This was done under local anaesthetic, and I was home a couple of hours later. 

Thanks - it does play on your mind, no results back yet but the dermatologist thinks its a dysplastic nevus

I hope they do not keep you waiting too long! Fingers crossed for you!