Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Views 644 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Melanoma - biopsy and referrals, terrified

littleblackdress
Offline

Hi, 

I'm 19 and discovered at Christmas that a mole I'd had for a while had doubled in size. It wasn't massive but was enough to meet the 2ww referral needs. I had my referral in January and was given the chance to have an excision biopsy of it, which I took. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since my biopsy and I still have no results, and it's making me more and more anxious. What doesn't help is, 2 weeks ago, another mole appeared a couple of inches from where my first was removed. Only this one was much more abnormally shaped and larger. Of course, I had it checked out and was put back under the 2ww referral. My dermatology appointment is in 2 days but the mole has began to fade quite significantly and I'm terrified it is going to disappear before Tuesday. At which point I'm not sure what else the doctor can do. Has anyone ever had a biopsy done the same day as their dermatology consultancy?

The whole situation, tied with studying for university and the exam I have on Wednesday, is just stressing me out, I'm struggling and I'm so scared. I just need answers:/

  • Offline

    Hi,

    Firstly, take a photo of the new mole that is starting to fade. At least, if it's disappeared in 2 days time, you have a photo to show the dermatologist. At your young age it's not unusual for new moles to appear or for moles to disappear so the dermatologist may not be worried about it. If they think it needs removing they may remove it on the day but they only do this if they have the time, facilities & staff to help them, otherwise you would have to go back for it doing.

    Regarding your long wait for results, the average time it's taking at the moment is 4 weeks I'm afraid. If your second referral appointment in 2 days time is at the same dermatology clinic they may have your results ready for you then. If they don't mention them, don't be afraid to ask. They may not have been received back yet or they have them but they need to be discussed at the weekly Multi Disciplinary Team Meeting first. This is where all clinicians involved (dermatology, plastic surgery, oncology, nurses etc) talk through results (whether good or bad) before they are given to the patient. If this is the case the consultant should at least be able to give you an idea as to how much longer you have to wait.

    Good luck with your appointment, results & exam. Hopefully everything will be fine. Please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

    Thank you so much for this. It really helps to have a little bit of clarity. The appointments are unfortunately at different clinics as I had to transfer my gp recently due to university. But it is all good, just a waiting game. Thank you again, I hope all is okay with you :)

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.