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Original poster

New mole, Doctor has requested urgent referral

12 replies

Mountainoutofamolehill · 16/02/2026 17:05

I wasn't sure which topic to put this under but would appreciate advice or anyone who has been in the same situation as me.

I had a new mole appear on my face last year, after 6 months it got bigger and itchy so I went to see my doctor. She tooks pictures of it and sent off to dermatology. The dermatology unit at my local hospital have now called to see me for an appointment in 2 weeks. Naturally I am now very anxious and don't know what to expect.

Has this happened to anyone else, if so what happened at your appointment and what was your diagnosis?

I want to know if I'm being unreasonable in thinking the worst, or is this standard procedure?

Thank you!

OP posts:
GreenGodiva · 16/02/2026 17:12

Is perfectly standard. I have injections that make me susceptible to skin cancer door to sun sensitivity. One of my moles on my leg changed drastically. The gp sent pics, they called me in and it was removed within 8 days from going to the gp. Turned out to be fine thankfully, the dermatologist said most of them are not serious but they prefer to get them off and treated to prevent them becoming sinister.

Original poster
Mountainoutofamolehill · 16/02/2026 19:54

GreenGodiva · 16/02/2026 17:12

Is perfectly standard. I have injections that make me susceptible to skin cancer door to sun sensitivity. One of my moles on my leg changed drastically. The gp sent pics, they called me in and it was removed within 8 days from going to the gp. Turned out to be fine thankfully, the dermatologist said most of them are not serious but they prefer to get them off and treated to prevent them becoming sinister.

That's really reassuring, thank you.

OP posts:
Flukingflukes · 16/02/2026 20:02

It’s standard practice. I had a mole on my back and was referred urgently with suspected malignant melanoma. The consultant at the hospital agreed it look suspicious, so I had it removed. I was very anxious and the wait for the results seemed endless. It was benign, thank goodness.

They will probably remove your mole @Mountainoutofamolehill but they won’t know until it’s tested. Most moles are harmless but it’s good that they refer us.

Hoardasurass · 16/02/2026 20:05

@Mountainoutofamolehill I've had several removed over the years and all have been fine some slightly dodgy (pre cancerous but clear margins) some just moles and a couple of freckles. The only 1 that gave me any issues was the 1 right between my big toe and the toe beside it and that had more to do with the position of it and the fact that I was hobbling about on a partially dislocated big toe for a fortnight until the nurse put it back in place after taking the stitches out.
Please don't panic even if it is something they're going to get it all and with such an early catch the odds are they'll get it all in 1 go.

EatingSleeping · 16/02/2026 20:09

Also coming to say that while it's scary to be put on the pathway it doesn't mean the worst (and if it does it's right to be there)

At my recent appointment they took some photographs and examined my skin . She was able to reassure me then and there that it wasn't sinister but gave me advice on what to watch for

I hope it's a good outcome for you

Original poster
Mountainoutofamolehill · 16/02/2026 20:35

Thank you ladies, I just read that the odds of it being melanoma are actually really slim so that's helped. I don't know anyone in real life that's been in the same situation so that's why I've asked you guys.

Thanks for the anecdotes all x

OP posts:
ColdAsAWitches · 16/02/2026 20:55

I see a dermatologist once a year because I'm prone to moles. In a normal year she'll find a couple she's worried about and I'll get an appointment to have them removed about two weeks later. Sometimes they come back from pathology as 'sinister' as she calls it, mostly they are fine. Last month she looked at one and sent me downstairs to have it removed on the spot, she thought it looked that bad. So I can understand it being scary, but even that turned out to be ok. If seen early, it can be treated early.

flapjackfairy · 16/02/2026 20:59

yeah same here. I had a mole that got strached off and then kept scabing over and not healing. GP put me on the 2 week.pathway as well but it was all fine. I think .it seems like standard practice so hopefully all will be well. Try not to worry. Easier said than done I know x

Pippa12 · 16/02/2026 21:08

I’ve been under dermatology for 16 years due to having hundreds of moles. I’ve had 4 off in that time, 2 ‘sinister’ and 2 fine. Each time they’ve removed them with a wide excision so I haven’t needed further treatment. The procedure is fine, once the anaesthetic is in you don’t feel a thing. It sounds like it’s been picked up and treated really quickly. try not to worry to much!

DudeWheresMyBra · 16/02/2026 22:39

@Mountainoutofamolehill Reframe it a little.

If they’d looked and just sent you home, you may have still been wondering if they made the right diagnosis in dismissing your concerns. You went because you were concerned; they took you seriously and have shown you that you were absolutely right to get checked.

If it’s not cancer, then at least you know and it was an inconvenience at worst. But also.. you know!

If it is cancer then thank goodness they referred you.

In both these situations you will not be sorry you were referred.

I have all sorts of weird and wonderful moles. Old and new. I always, always get them checked and will continue to do so as DF had skin cancer. Just two removed so far and both benign.

Vanille1 · 16/02/2026 23:03

Not a new mole, but had some changes in a mole. Itchy and looked more raised.

Also went on 2 week referral for removal and biopsy. Was benign. Hope all turns out ok x

Vanille1 · 16/02/2026 23:07

Saw somewhere that over 90% of referrals on this pathway for moles are benign. Which is reassuring x

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