How commonly are second opinions needed for skin biopsies?
How common is it to wait up to 4 months for results and be told that biopsy needs a second opinion?
I had a mole excision 8 weeks ago in a public hospital through a private dermatologist referral, was told I'd get my results 2-6 weeks by post.
Its been 8 weeks and after getting my dermatologist office to chase my results I find out that the hospital refuses to release my results to them or to my gp. I finally got in contact with the hospital and they sent me an email saying that they didn't find evidence of cancer but are sending my biopsy for further opinion to confirm which might take up to 2 months more of waiting, so it'll be around 4 months in total. Is this normal?
Comments
Dear MysteriousPancake.
Thank you for posting your message on our online forum. I do hope you will hear from others who have had a mole excised and have waited for results.
I am sorry to read that you had such a challenging time getting your results, but I am glad that there was no evidence of cancer. It is not unusual for second opinions to be sought from doctors in other institutions. The wait time for such an opinion is 4-8 weeks.
Our nurses would be happy to speak to you on our support line. We may be able to offer suggestions on getting support if you think it may help.
You can phone us to discuss this further. Our phone number is 1800 200 700, and we are here Mon-Fri from 9-5pm.
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse
Is it normal that -
1. They never sent me a letter by post
2. Didn't notify me of the delay
3. Sent me an unofficial results by email
4. Refuse to release my results to go or dermatologist
5. Is it normal to wait this long