Hi,

You can't really make an assumption from the appointment you've been given. Most consultants like to give results, good or bad, face to face, especially if they need to check the biopsy wound. Think of it as there being black, white & grey areas to giving biopsy results. With mole biopsies in particular - it can be a 'white' result - the mole was benign, there were no cancer cells found and you will be discharged. A 'black' result is a positive for melanoma - cancer cells were found & they now have to discuss the next step (usually a further 'wide local' excision and maybe a further test for spread). A 'grey' result is where the mole is found to be 'dysplastic' - this is benign but the cell structure is changing & it can become cancerous if it's not removed. In this case they will monitor you for a while & check your other moles.

You won't be able to take anyone with you I'm afraid (because of Covid restrictions) so I suggest you make notes of anything said to you if it's not a clear result. Some patients ask if they can record the appointment on their phone - most consultants are happy with this & it helps in case you miss any information & you can play it back.

Meanwhile, I suggest you find things that distract your mind, even if only for an hour at a time. Pamper yourself, throw yourself into your work or a hobby or try meditation or mindfulness - there are lots of sessions on YouTube and it will help with anxiety.

Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi Angie, 

Thanks for replying, i have been today and it is melignant melonoma o. 4mm, they are sure they have it all bit have to go back for a wle in few weeks.

Not sure how I feel but trying to take thw positives. 

Leigh x

Hi 

I'm going thru the same thing that you did apart from looks like I'm at the start, I've had moles removed, been waiting since the 2nd of September (when it was removed) and now been called in to see the dermatologist.

Super freaked as thought I'd get the results through by letter or phone.

as yours was milignant what treatment did you receive and how are you now 9 months on.

if there's any bits of wisdom or advice you have please share.

regards Hannah xx

Hi Hannah,

I'm sorry you are going through this worry. I just wanted to reply in case Leigh doesn't come back to answer your question.

Leigh's diagnosis would have been Stage 1a which is early stage melanoma. Routine treatment for this would be further surgery to remove a further margin of tissue from around that area to ensure no stray cancer cell is present - this is called a Wide Local Excision. If the result comes back clear, Leigh will have regular monitoring for a year. It's rare (only 1% chance) that a 0.4mm deep melanoma will spread so Leigh's odds of being successfully treated are 99%.

With regard to your appointment for your results - most consultants prefer to give results face to face, whether good or bad. One reason is because 20% of moles biopsied are precancerous (dysplastic) so they like to check any other moles on the patient (a higher risk of having another dysplastic mole). Hopefully your results will bring good news. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Hannah

How are you doing?

I am going through a similar thing - haven't had my mole removed yet - it's scheduled for next week, so I will be waiting for results all over Xmas. Finding the whole thing a lonely process.

How did you get on?