Call back results appointment after mole biopsy - reassurance needed!

[boredwithfoodprob]

Hi, I had a mole removed almost 3 weeks ago after it had changed and grown. After the removal they said I would get my results in a letter but I’ve just had a call to say they want me to go in and get my results at an appointment in Dermatology. I have had so much anxiety so far over this and since the biopsy and it has just ramped up again. I’m dreading what they will tell me and absolutely catastrophising. I’m also feeling guilty for not going sooner to the GP about this mole in the first place. Anyone been through this and been ok? 🙏

I had this happen last year, it was early stage melanoma but I had a further skin biopsy very much to be on the safe side and it's all done and dusted, please try not to panic! Although FYI at that appointment they did look all over me to check there wasn't any other dodgy ones so wear good underwear just in case!

I had a biopsy on a mole/lesion a few years ago. They said results in two to three weeks. Nothing after three and a half so I rang them. I was advised I needed an appointment for a care and treatment plan with the dermatologist. I asked why and they refused to tell me. I asked for a copy of the report and they said no as patients didn't understand reports despite the fact that I gave consent only on the basis that I'd be copied on the report.

We reached an impasse as I refused an appointment without a copy of the report first. After a couple of calls, the Clinical Director sent the report which contained the phrase "no malignant cells found". The report also contained my personal information and I was entitled to have it.

I was appalled by the level of worry administrators caused. I made a formal complaint and they altered their practices.

I refused to go back to them for an appointment as they had demonstrated zero respect for me as a patient. I got a 2nd opinion from a private dermatologist.

Hopefully you are on the end of something similar but if I were you, I'd insist on k owing why they wanted you to see the dermatologist. I'd rather know in advance if it's bad news and in any event I don't deal with services that assume every patient is brick thick, just because they are a patient.

Thanks so much. Glad you are ok, did you find the process stressful? How was your further biopsy? What grade/type of melanoma was it?

Wow so stressful! I am also someone who likes information so a letter with the results would have helped. Thanks for replying.

Happened to a friend of mine last year - mole removed, recalled after biopsy. Wasn't benign - but all they needed was a further exision of the margins to make sure they had it all. After that, no further treatment needed.
Ironically, I had a large mole removed at the same time, mine was harmless but big and I think I have more of a scar left.

I suffer with anxiety anyway so yes found it all stressful and drawn out! Further biopsy was clear, was just abnormal cells that would have developed into melanoma, I can't remember what they were called, thought it would be on my NHS notes but it just says melanoma

@1984Winstonyes the anxiety is awful! Just out of interest how long did you have the mole for that was melanoma? Was it an existing one or a new one?

It was a new one, not sure how long it was there, as soon as I saw it I rang the doctors but had to wait a month for that appointment!

I had this happen, the initial removal had not provided enough of a clear margin, so they needed to take a little more away. The dermatologist was lovely, the follow up surgery was faultless, but because the letter did not tell me anything, I went to that follow up appointment assuming that it was a discharge appointment. I got quite upset actually because I wasn’t prepared. It would have been so much better for someone to have just picked up the phone and told me why I needed to go.

My husband had similar 8 years ago. It was melanoma so they needed to take more skin off. But only stage 1 so no further treatment needed and he is absolutely fine now. On the plus side he had an older criical illness policy that covered stage 1 cancer so we got a payout from that. Fingers crossed for you that it is something straightforward and easily treatable.

Yes I think they need to give patients more information!

thank you and glad he is ok now!