Suspected melanoma- 3 week wait for GP appointment

[Bugtimefedup]

Noticed a new mole/skin lesion a couple of months ago on my leg. Downloaded a skin cancer app which said high risk melanoma.

Did econsult yesterday (the only way to access a GP can’t phone for an appointment) and was given an appointment in 3 weeks time.

So worried I have melanoma and can’t believe I have to wait 3 weeks for an appointment. I did ring yesterday and told no earlier dates.

I have submitted another econsult this morning saying I’m really worried and can I please have sooner appointment.

The thought of waiting 3 weeks to see a GP then another few weeks while they do a referral then more weeks for an appointment is unbearable.

Have been trying to see if I can see someone privately but so far only found Boots who can scan the mole but will tell you to see the GP for follow up treatment so doesn’t really help!

Have you tried calling 111.

Every GP is obliged to keep a percentage of its appointments free for urgent same-day and next-day appointments referred from 111 calls.

Call 111 and explain that you are spiralling towards a mental health crisis because of the anxiety triggered by being told you have to wait 3 weeks for an appointment when this could be a life threatening condition.

They are able to put you forward for a quicker appointment.

You’d be best off going privately if you want to be seen quickly for this OP, much faster, the NHS is great but it can be slow.

Please don't pretend you are spiralling towards a mental health crisis just to get seen sooner.
My advice is to calm down, stop googling and go to your scheduled appointment.

I actually think I’m in the throes of a mental health crisis already. I work for NHS and am meant to be working today but feeling unable to cope.

3 weeks just seems ridiculous.

Thought I would come back with an update as I know I always appreciate one!
I got an earlier GP appointment saw a registrar (more senior than a GP??) who examined the lesion for about 2 seconds said she’d refer me on 2 week pathway as edges looked uneven.

4 days later I saw a dermatologist who immediately said it was an age spot which looked like it had caught on something and froze it off. He seemed to know just by looking & then using the magnifying glass tool.

Big relief I also got him to check 2 other mole type things & he said they were old insect bites.

@Bugtimefedup , no registrars are GPs in training; the very opposite of more senior to the GP. They tend to be morse risk averse and make more referrals. It seems your original appointment would have been adequate. Someone, potentially someone with a much greater need has been pushed down the pecking order for you to get what you wanted. I hope you’re happy now?

Icanthinkformyselfthanks

That's a bit harsh.

I'm going through something similar and it's hard not to be phoning everyday to try and speed things up.

Good that you have your answer now.

In the same time, you've noticed it a couple of months ago, so an appointment in a couple of weeks sounds ok, it really wasn't that urgent, I suppose the same day slot are for things which need treatment in a matter of hours or days, like infections.

You have been assesses by a clinician and they have decided your problem can be seen in three weeks.

@Bugtimefedup Work for the NHS but can't apply the terms GP or registrar? Non-clinical staff like domestics and admin even know the terms and it's not their area. You also abused the system despite being inside it? You know people are seen based on needs.

@RareGoalsVerge Anxiousness about a lesion is not the same as a mental health crisis and you know it. People in mental health crisis are making plans to hang themselves later that day; they are delusional and at risk of hurting themselves; they are driving round garage forecourts for four hours with others in the car no idea where they are; they are hidden in rooms barely able breathe, sobbing on the floor and tearing their hair out; their loved ones are desperately trying to scramble help.

As for the physical side of health, @Bugtimefedup , you know that a growth can wait for assessment and that it is not truly urgent. If you work for the NHS you would know this. If you had any professional standards or personal values you would have waited your turn and not embarrassed yourself.

Wow, harsh responses. Ever heard of being kind? It costs nothing.

I got a short notice cancellation - my doctors is a 5 minute walk from where I work so I was able to go straight there. How many other patients do you think could have done that?

I work in admin so excuse me if I’m not familiar with doctors seniority. I don’t need to know this for my job.

The registrar was worried enough to do a referral and said it was because the edges were ragged & it was crusty. If she’d told me the lesion was fine I would have been happy with that. It’s not my fault if she was being over cautious so not sure why I as the patient should be responsible for her being risk adverse.

I used a recognised and accepted AI app where I scanned the lesion & was told it was high risk for melanoma.

And yes my mental health was suffering I was worried about having melanoma where quick treatment is absolutely key to survival rates. I couldn’t eat or sleep with worry, was struggling to do my job & take care of my family.

But sure I’m entitled. Crazy how you think I wasn’t entitled to access medical care and should have waited weeks on end in case of a “ more deserving case”.

I wont bother posting again in case I get more angry horrible people replying.

“Poodles” are you ok?? Think you might need to access some healthcare yourself

This app you used sounds down right dangerous. What if it told someone theirs was fine and it wasn't? I think it's bizarre you took an opinion from an AI app!

That’s really harsh I had a lesion under my arm was also referred under the 2 week pathway as the edges were uneven and it varied in colour - was a benign seborrhaic keratosis buf it was still removed quickly. That is the right medical course of action. OP I am glad you got your mind put at rest.

A Registrar is not senior to a GP

Glad was negative. Regs are trainee GPs