Awaiting A Biopsy(Is 1.5 Months Too Long To Wait?)

Hello,

I had a dermatology appt to check a mole recently and it turns out another mole I've had since I can remember concerned the doc because it had "3 of the 4 characteristics of melanoma". She scheduled a surgery for July 6th to remove it and biopsy. My question is, doesn't this seem like a long time to wait? She told me not to worry about it, of course I am! I realize dermatologists offices are overbooked these days. Should I insist it be done before then??

On 5/23/2007 Qvonnie wrote:

Hello,

I had a dermatology appt to check a mole recently and it turns out another mole I've had since I can remember concerned the doc because it had "3 of the 4 characteristics of melanoma". She scheduled a surgery for July 6th to remove it and biopsy. My question is, doesn't this seem like a long time to wait? She told me not to worry about it, of course I am! I realize dermatologists offices are overbooked these days. Should I insist it be done before then??

It seems a long time.Perhaps your family doctor could remove it or he could refer you to general surgeon which could do it for you much sooner.

This is a minor surgery and should not take so much time.The dermatologists are usually very busy but they are not the only doctors who can do this relatively minor and simple surgery for you.  So be more affirmative and get your GP at act.

I agree.  This is too long to wait for something suspicious.  My son's primary care doc did a biopsy, found MM, referred him to a general surgeon who did the WLE and the SNB.  Turned out MM and he then went to Hopkins for LND.  I call your primary care doc and insist on a name of a general surgeon (or a couple of them) and see if you can get in sooner.

Good Luck with it.

Mrs. C

On 5/23/2007 Qvonnie wrote:

Hello,

I had a dermatology appt to check a mole recently and it turns out another mole I've had since I can remember concerned the doc because it had "3 of the 4 characteristics of melanoma". She scheduled a surgery for July 6th to remove it and biopsy. My question is, doesn't this seem like a long time to wait? She told me not to worry about it, of course I am! I realize dermatologists offices are overbooked these days. Should I insist it be done before then??

I couldn't agree more. I've learned unfortunately in this process that you have to be very assertive.  Ask your primary to intervene or give you a referral to someone else.