So scared plz help

Hi Beclou80 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is an informative and supportive place to be.

I haven't experienced a "termadology" appointment followed by an appointment with a dermatologist but I didn't want to leave your post without any replies as you sound so scared.

I can see that you've automatically assumed that you have skin cancer because you're going to see a dermatologist but dermatologists specialise in all things skin related and not just cancer. 

I have to confess that I don't know what a "termadology" appointment is but thought I'd share my experience of finding a lesion on my arm a few years ago. When I found it I went to see my GP who referred me to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist decided to remove it to find out what it was.

It sounds like you're on a similar pathway to me having seen your GP, who referred you to "termadology" who in turn have referred you to see a dermatologist. 

When you see the consultant tomorrow they will examine your lump and decide if they want to remove it for a biopsy. Sometimes this is done on the same day as your appointment but in my case it's always been a week or two later. 

Just in case you do have a biopsy tomorrow I'll just give you an idea of what to expect. My biopsies, I've had three, have all been done under local anaesthetic. The anaesthetic injections do sting a bit but after that you won't feel a thing. Once the lump has been removed your wound will be closed with stitches and the lump sent off to be biopsied. You should be given instructions on how to care for the wound, what to do if your stitches need removing if they're not dissolvable and a contact number in case your results don't come back as quickly as you've been told.

The length of time it takes for results to come back depends on how busy the pathology laboratories are in your area of the country. It can be any where between 2-6 weeks with most people saying that they got there results after about 4 weeks. My first biopsy took 6 weeks to come back but the most recent one only 3 weeks.

It's a good idea to ask how you'll get the results as different hospitals do different things. Some send a letter, others will phone whilst others make you a face-to-face appointment.

Let me know how you get on tomorrow

x

Thank u for the reply termadermatology is something new since covid they use special camera to take photos of thr site that can look at the layers which then are looked at by a consultant to then decide if they can diagnose from the photos the options usually are they can see its nothing so discharged may not be able to tell from the pics so need a face to face or biopsy as they unsure or they can tell from the photo so need to get an app I guess I'm jumping thr gun as it xould be that thr pics don't show enough so needs to see it in real life but I suffer from bad anxiety so this has really knocked me. 

Thanks for letting me know what termadermatology is Beclou80. 

I have had several biopsies and the way I cope is by trying not to jump too far ahead. I know it's easier said than done, and we're all guilty of assuming the worst, but just concentrate on one step at a time. Tomorrow you're going to see a dermatologist and that's the only thing you need to concentrate on right now.

x

All the best with your appointment today. I'll be thinking of you. 

((hugs)) 

Hi Beclou80

How did you get on at your appointment yesterday? 

Good morning. I rang in morning to be told it again is not a face to face app it is an app for thr docs to review the photos I had done.  I was told they will be in touch up to yet I not heard so again its a waiting game. I just wish I could see someone face to face and chat to then and have them view it as I just feel like I'm in limbo  with no answers and no opportunity to ask questions x

I'm sorry it didn't turn out to be a face-to-face appointment Beclou80 but just an appointment for the consultants to review your photos. When were you told you would hear by?

That's if they even looked at them as if they were busy or something came up who knows .. I rang back at 5 and was told that its 2 early for a report on it they said if its nothing I will get a letter if its something OR if they can't tell so need to see me face to face or if needs further testing like biopsy etc they will rather call or send app in post  I don't know it I explained about thr pics they not just like normal photos they special camera they can look down all the layers if the skin sonthey can see properly its like a dermascope one  lens so that's how they can decide from a pic I suppose  but said I should hear by 3 weeks at the latest x

I know that 3 weeks will seem like a long time but you've done the right thing in going to the GP and the ball is now rolling. 

You mentioned that you suffer with anxiety so I guess you have lots of coping techniques that you can use to help with the wait.

Do come back and let us all know how it goes.

x

I had a photo taken of my bcc by a privte clinic Bupa use.  They replied within 3 hours telling me it was a BCC and from then I went to see dermatologist.  He examined it with his dermascope at the consultation and told me there and then it was a basal cell cancer and referred me to a plastic surgeon for him to remove it as it was in a very awkward place, on my face but right by my nostril.  Don't be scared I am sure you will be fine,  I was terrified and thought I would die but the plastic surgeon was so reassuring.  Let usn know how you go on and Good Luck x