Hello Holly2000

I'm sorry to hear that you're particularly worried about these moles. It's good to hear that the GP wasn't overly concerned during your appointment. It sounds from what you've said in your post as if she is being cautious which is very sensible. 

It might be a good idea to give our team of nurses a call ahead of your appointment. I'm sure they will be able to answer some of your questions and talk to you about things you may want to ask when you see the Consultant. If you'd like to chat with them they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your appointment and the Consultant is able to offer you some reassurance. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi Holly2000.

It's a common misconception that if you've been referred on an emergency pathway then the doctor "thinks" you've got cancer, and the hospital will just confirm it.  It might have been true once, but it isn't now.

There are strict guidelines of when to refer, and these guidelines are specifically designed so the roughly 10% of people referred who do have cancer are found and can start treatment, and the remaining 90% eventually find out they're clear. And that's the typical ratio: roughly 9 out of 10 of all "urgent cancer" referrals turn out not to have cancer at all.

Of course, that's not to minimise any apprehension you're bound to feel when during the waiting period; we've all been through it (some of us several times) and it's pretty rotten, but just hang on to that 9 out of 10 figure.

Please let us know how you get on. Your feedback to us helps us improve our answers for those who come after you.

UPDATE:
 

So I had my hospital appointment and my doctor said they don't look like anything to worry about yet and that two are perfectly normal. However she said she wants to be careful with the other two as that are a lot bigger than all the other moles i have.

She said for my peace of mind I can get them removed or wait and see if they change. I have decided to have the two she wants to keep an eye on removed as I would rather have a small scar then be anxious everyday in case something changes. So I am getting them removed in January and they will be biopsied to make sure so will update you again.

Thank you for your response, it helped reasure me and not panic as much as i was so thank you.

Hi Holly

I'm so pleased it worked out well for you.  I think you've made a sensible decision to have to two large moles removed. I think I'd do the same.