Hi.
I have a mole on the head of my penis.. Been there ages but got darker and bigger and occasionally painful. Had it looked at a few times over the past 2 years.. Generally dismissive of it.. Went back to my Doctor about 7 months ago who referred me under the 2 week rule, saw a dermatology nurse that assured me it was nothing- but admitted she wasn't sure and hadn't seen a mole like this before so referred me to a consultant in six months.. Last Tuesday saw the consultant who referred me to plastic surgery on Tuesday for a suspected melanoma. To say I'm a bit frustrated is an understatement, I mean, hopefully it's nothing, but why couldn't this have been actioned two years ago.. Anyway, whilst there he did a quick mole check- I'm covered in them- all okay. However, I'd noticed a reddish shiny patch on my head, been there years. Doctor had taken note of it but nothing done. Consultant was squeezing it, umming and awing then said I'm going to have a punch biopsy within four weeks on this too..
Not lost any weight or anything, blood work appears fine. Have been feeling very tired, itch when I drink alcohol and have a funny smell about me- when I say 'funny' - I can stink a room out despite impeccable hygiene. I've also what feels like ammonia breath. Probably incidental but thought I'd put it out there.
Bit worried about having a bit of penis stabbed at but hopefully it all comes back okay.. He's not said anything about the large patch on my head, any ideas what he may be thinking with that one, or has anyone had similar symptoms? Get occasional numbness too. Oh, I'm fairy bald too!
I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long (roughly) I can expect to wait for the results of my biospys- is it via phone or face-to-face?
Wishing you all well
Hello Northy183
Welcome to the Online Community and the Skin cancer forum.
I am sorry to hear that you have been referred for a suspected melanoma. I can understand your frustration that this was not taken more seriously when you previously consulted your doctor.
I have not had experience of skin cancer myself as my cancer was endometrial. However by responding to your post it will bump it within the forum and hopefully bring it to the attention of someone who can offer more specific support. While you are waiting for a response please do give the Support Line a call if you feel like talking it through would help.
When I had my biopsy for my own cancer the results came through around 7 days later. I was phoned by a Nurse specialist as previously arranged. I was given the option of coming in to be told but preferred to get the results whilst at home.
I wish you well for your biopsies and hope that you get the results quickly.
Jane
Hi Northy183
I was diagnosed with melanoma from a lesion I discovered on my arm 8 years ago, so I understand the sort of thoughts that are probably going through your head right now.
As you've found, the online community is divided into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you also join us over in the melanoma group as you'll then connect directly with others who have this type of cancer, or who are awaiting investigation, to ask questions, share experiences and get support.
To join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
As for how long the biopsy results take, well that really depends on how busy the pathology laboratories are in your area of the country. When I was diagnosed it was 6 weeks before i got my results back and most people in the melanoma group are reporting that they're getting theirs back anywhere between 4-8 weeks after biopsy.
When you go for your excision biopsies, ask how long the average current wait is, how you'll get your results, and who to contact if the results are not back in the timeframe indicated.
It would be great if you could put something about your symptoms into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
I'll be keeping everything crossed for you.
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
