Melanoma biopsy wait times

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Hi,

I'm new to this group and not sure if I should even be posting but…

I have had a mole removed on the 2nd Jan. the mole was looked at by one GP and said he’s “99.5%” sure it’s fine but referred me to another dr to check. Well she looked and said she’s going to urgently refer me under the 2ww. (This is the only time cancer has been mentioned) but when I say “mentioned”, it was on my referral form and that’s it.

6 weeks later I saw the dermatologist at the hospital who said yes that needs to come off. The letter she sent my GP said that she needs to confirm its benign nature. Does this mean that they don’t think it could be cancer?

I know I should have asked these questions but I have brain fog everytime I’m with the doctors.

anyway I’ve been told 4-6 weeks for results but I’m aware it could be much longer after reading some of the posts on here.

i guess what im asking is because no one has said the “c” word to me do you think that they are not too worried about it being that?

the wait is killing me…

Jo - Macmillan 3 months ago

Hi Everythingwillbeoksy,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Jo and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

It’s understandable that you are concerned following your recent mole removal, and good that you’ve reached out for some support. This sounds like a difficult time for you.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidance to GP’s on when to refer someone to a specialist to carry out further tests or investigations when symptoms could be due to cancer.

Whilst there has been no mention of cancer, other than the two week wait referral, it is unlikely that you will feel reassured until you have had the results. Waiting for test results can be a worrying time, there is no right or wrong way to feel.

If you have been told that you should receive the result within 4-6 weeks, then do contact the dermatologist if this doesn’t happen. Here is some further information on talking to your doctor that you might also find helpful.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best wishes,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: JD/AMc

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Melanoma biopsy wait times