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Suspicious mole *urgent referral*

Claireybella
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Hello

This is my first time posting so looking for a advice or guidance. Sorry for the long post. 

I recently noticed a mole I have on the lower part of my bum cheek had turned black and looks well odd. It was previously quite small and brown. Ive no idea how long it's been black for, to be honest it's not really an area i often look at.  I was quite scared when I saw the mole but not to worried, I'm quite fair skinned and have freckles so have a few moles. 

I sent some pictures into the doctors surgery on advice of the receptionist and the doctor called within 30 mins. She advised that I needed to come into the surgery that day as she was quite alarmed. When she saw the mole she said she was urgently referring me to dermatology via the NHS and through my private healthcare. She said whatever happens the mole has to be removed even if it's not cancerous.

My private healthcare advised the first appointment they have with dermatology would be the 29th Nov, even with an urgent referral it makes no difference. I called the doctors to see if they had heard anything from the NHS and was told due to the backlog it would be early December before I was seen. I was quoted 'there are over 200 people with moles like yours' 

So basically now I have the agonising wait of nearly 6 weeks. I'm really worried now. If it is cancer, what if it spreads? Obviously I've been on Google non stop like a crazy person. 

is there anywhere else I could get seen earlier?   

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm so sorry you are going through this worry and this long delay. I know that, due to Covid, some areas of the UK are battling through their long waiting lists & that it's affecting Private healthcare too but it seems particularly worse in your area. If you are going privately, is there a hospital further away from you that can fit you in earlier? It's worth asking your healthcare provider if you are able to travel to another hospital. The only other thing I can suggest is that you call the private hospital and tell them that you are happy to take a last minute cancellation that may occur (if you are able to travel at short notice).

    Meanwhile, I know the wait will cause you to be anxious about a possible spread but a wait of a few weeks doesn't always have a detrimental effect on the diagnosis. I left my mole (melanoma) for a year before having it checked. That was in 1996 - so it's not a fait accompli that it will be spreading whilst you are waiting. Try to keep off Google, it only inflames your stress, it's old information and it focuses on worse case scenarios so not helpful at all. 

    I hope you manage to get an earlier appointment but don't panic if you can't. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you for your reply Angie, really appreciate it. 
     

    That's a good idea actually, going to call them tomorrow and ask about the cancellation list.  I did check about another hospital but the nearest is 3 hours away and the appointment wasn't much earlier. Guess it's probably just the same everywhere just now! 
     

    Thanks again

    Claire x 

  • Offline in reply to Claireybella

    Hi Claire,

     

    I hope you are well.

     

    Reading your post, I just wondered how your appointment went? 

    Thank you,

    Shaniece

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