Hi,

Because they can't make a definitive diagnosis from photos they sound to be erring on the side of caution and wanting to remove it so it can be sent for a biopsy - this is the only way they can 100% know what it is.

If the appointment says it will be removed on the date of the appointment, it will be done under day surgery. It usually only takes 15 minutes but prepare to be there for about 2 hours because of the time it takes for pre & post-op unless it's being done in the dermatology clinic in which case it will be done much quicker. It will be done under a local anaesthetic and you will have stitches (they will tell you if they are dissolving or you need to go back for them removing). The wound will be larger than the mole as they take a small margin of skin from around the mole too. They will also tell you when to expect the results and how they will let you know (it's usually an appointment to go back & see the consultant, whether good or bad results). Results are taking about 6 weeks at the moment due to Covid catch up. If they forget to tell you this information please ask them otherwise you will worry about what to expect.

I suggest you don't drive yourself to the appointment as you won't be able to drive home due to the dressing. Get someone to drop you off & pick you up as you won't be allowed anyone with you (due to Covid, unless your hospital is getting back to normal and they can wait in the waiting room).

You have a 75% chance of it being benign, a 20% chance of it being dysplastic (atypical/pre-cancerous - the cells are just starting to change) and 5% chance of it being melanoma. If it's bad news, there is a good chance it's been caught early stage (shallow in depth) and you will have a 97% chance of being successfully treated and having no further problem in the future, so altogether the odds are very much in your favour.

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

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)