Immediate Biopsy

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Hello,

I was referred to dermatologist by gp on 2ww pathway due to an inflamed/growing raised mole that I’ve had as long as I can remember. 

I called the department the day before, and asked if they would biopsy there and then and she said “highly highly unlikely”. 

I had my appointment yesterday, the derm looked at my mole through the dermatascope and said he didn’t think it was concerning, but that they would take it out for a biopsy. I asked when and he said now. He asked the nurse to check with the other nurses (who did the biopsy) and to squeeze me in straight away.

So it’s somewhat confusing - he said it didn’t look concerning but wanted it out immediately. I was really shocked and a little worried on top of the confusion. Everything I’ve read has said that biopsy wait times even as urgent are at least a week.

Does anyone have any insight or experience to possibly put my mind at rest. He said 4 weeks for results. 

  • I can’t help with any personal experience of such prompt treatment, but what I would say is that whatever it is, the sooner you know the better.

     I was referred to a dermatologist,  who recommended a biopsy and the earliest appointment they could offer was 3 months later.  Five weeks wait to find out it was a Stage 1b melanoma and then surgery for a WLE and SLNB was said to be 4-6 weeks away.  Luckily I was nearer to the 4 weeks, but it was another 5 weeks for the result of the biopsy.  Fortunately, there was no evidence of spread into the lymph nodes or surrounding tissue, but  finding that out took 6 months from start to finish, and the waiting was nerve racking.  

    In your situation, I would probably be thinking the worst too. I remember feeling like that when I had a phone call to give me an appointment to see the dermatologist and  their words were “ We need to see you as soon as possible”.
    I do hope all goes well.  Try to think of your experience as private hospital timelines  without the cost!

  • Hello. My daughter had a very nasty looking mole which looked very much like Nodular Melanoma. She was also told that she would have it removed at another appointment, but on the day she saw her dermatologist he decided to remove it there and then although he didn’t think it was anything too sinister!!! A long wait as always to get a negative result. The mental strain, anxiety and uncertainty this caused was immeasurable, she had not long given birth to her son so you can imagine the thoughts that went through her head, a good result for all. It’s no good saying don’t worry, you’re only human. I wish you all the best. Keeps us updated. 

  • I echo what others have said - if it is something to be worried about then at least it’s being taken off sooner rather than later. I had to wait x3 months for mine to be removed when I was on the “urgent 2 week referral” - no comment was ever passed on my mole - I’m not sure if they really should as until you have the results you can’t be sure of anything!

    good luck with it all & let us know how you get on! X

  • Hello

    My GP referred me to Dermatology last year. At the first hospital appointment the doctor said the lesion didn’t look too concerning but he could biopsy it the same day, which is what happened. Turned out to be a melanoma. So I’m not sure what to read into the decision to biopsy straight away or not but far better to have it done straight away.  

    Best of luck with the results