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Mole removal and waiting for results

MiniMum81
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I have been worried about a new mole on my hand for some time as it had grown quite fast, was different colours ( blackish brown/purple ) and every now and then was weeping from one side. Even though it was very small I went to my GP 2 weeks ago today and he referred me to dermatology and I was seen within 3 days. Not long after (yesterday) I had the mole removed from the back of my hand. 

I have been told there will be a 8-12 week wait for results?! The doctor removed a much larger area of skin surrounding the mole than I expected. And I have have stitches in the back of my hand. I am left wondering did the doctor think the mole was cancerous or is this standard procedure to remove a larger area?

* The mole was about 3mm but the stiches are at least an inch in length

Has anybody has experienced similar? I would appreciate hearing your experience. The wait seems awfully long!

Thank you

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    Hi,

    Yes, it's standard procedure for a large margin of skin to be removed around the mole to ensure they've removed it all so please don't worry.

    8 to 12 weeks for the results is longer than the average wait which is currently 6 weeks. What area of the UK are you in? If it's Northern Ireland, their NHS is experiencing very long delays I'm afraid.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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    Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear that you've had a mole issue recently.

    Just wanted to write and say that I also recently had two suspicious moles removed on my leg and on my lower back. Just to reassure you mine were also around that size and I was also left with about an inch, inch and a half scar as well so I would expect it's regular procedure!

     I was also told the wait could be a while but she did say 4 to 6 weeks to me but I am in the south of England so I'm not sure if the wait time is different. Do you let me know how you get on!

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thanks for your reassurance. I'm in Edinburgh, Scotland. Maybe there's delays here or they tell you longest wait scenario?

  • Offline in reply to sarahp246

    I will update here when I know results. 

    I guess I thought I'd have a small mole removed with a sticking plaster, not stitches. I feel less worried after the replies here.

    Let me know how you get on too!

  • Offline

    Just a wee update I'm STILL awaiting results of mole biopsy 5 weeks on. I'm hoping no news is good news. My hand has healed well (after 3 stitches) it's just the wait is too much. 

    [@sarahp246]‍ let me know how you got on. 

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