Melanoma worry - been waiting since September

[Galaxy2846]

Hi all

Sorry for posting here but need some advice please. I noticed a new freckle on the palm of my hand but it was tiny and I stupidly ignored it for a year, then it got bigger and in September I went to the GP who referred me to Dermatology.

I rang for an update and they said I am on the waiting list to be seen at the hospital. I am reading other people's stories and they were seen in a matter of weeks. I have been waiting for 4 months, is this normal? I am really worried about growth now

GP presumably looked at it and decided it wasn't a concern but referred you just in case. Did they look at it with a magnifying device? If so they would have checked for irregular borders and discoloration and if none were noted, they would either advice you wait and see or refer to dermatology for a follow up.
I had a mole which changed dramatically and the first time I saw the GP in 2015, they told me to sit tight and come back if I notice further changes. In 2023, I went back and this time I was referred to dermatology as an urgent case. It wasn't urgent. Dermatology cleared me and said that with these types of moles, the changes I am seeing are normal.

A friend of mine is in exactly the same position. Noticed a dodgy patch, went to the gp who agreed etc. specialist appointment booked for MONTHS later in March! 🤯 I’m sorry I can’t help you op, but you’re not alone.

Thank you for your replies! Yes the GP did have a look using a magnifying glass and afterwards said that he doesn't think it's anything but as a precaution he will refer me. It's just that when I rang for an update and found out I am on the waiting list to be seen at the hospital I got worried

@Catza makes sense! Maybe as it wasn't classed as urgent.. i'm glad you were cleared!

That makes total sense. The urgent referral is for suspected cancer. They didn't suspect cancer so you are on a general waiting list. It's good news.

The GP must be very certain its not cancer as they will put you on the 2 week urgent referral if any doubt.

What does it look like? Risk factors are very dark colour, assymetrical shape, irregular border, large (e.g. wider than the end of a pencil), and changing over time (you can take pictures on your phone to help judge that, hold a ruler next to it for scale).

@Catza thank you for putting my mind at ease! I'll try to put it in the back of mind until I hear from them now with an appointment

@ManchesterGirl2 It definitely isn't as big as the end of a pencil. It is however asymmetrical with an irregular border I think. It hasn't changed since September but definitely wasn't there 2 years ago! I will keep taking pictures of it in the meantime

Thank you!