Call from clinic - Cancer: Skin Message Board

lewmantheman · 08-25-2007, 03:50 PM

Hi there,

I am 20 Years old and went into the clinic to get a mole removed about 2 weeks ago. It was a small mole on my back which the doctor wanted to remove. I was away yesterday and when I got back to the house this morning i had a message on the machine that the doctor wanted to review the results for my biopsy and that I can phone in and shedule an appointment.

I am quite anxious about these kinds of things am now quite worried. I always thought things like this were sort of "No news is good news" kind of thing. If it was serious would they just call and leave a message at the house or leave a more urgant message. When you get a mole removed do you always have to return to your doctor to go over it whether it be malignant or benign??

Worried here wondering if anyone has an idea?

Cheers, Lew

Ladypepper · 08-25-2007, 04:48 PM

I think it depends a lot on the doctor... I have had doctors that would just give results on the phone - but others insist that I come in just to tell me there is nothing to worry about.

Don't stress about it - if there is an issue with it, worrying about it won't change anything... and if it were serious, the message would have probably been a little more urgent.

I hope that you get a clear report and all is well.

netty2606 · 09-12-2007, 05:34 AM

Hi Lewman - I also have a similar issue. We were told by the hospital when my husband had his mole removed that they would send us a letter when they get the results and ask for us to come in.

We recieved the letter which advises us the appointment for the results is next Thursday 20th Sept. I was devastated when I received this letter because although they said we would get one I was thinking well if it's good news they'll just say on the letter it was okay and no need to come in and if it was bad they would book an appointment.

Surely the NHS wouldn't waste time and money on giving us results which are 'yes you're okay, now you can go home'. I know they said they would send a letter to come in no matter what the results are, i can't help but think they say this to stop people from worrying when the letter says they've got to come in and get the results...Hope that makes sense. The letter really hit me hard and I didn't sleep for 2 days thinking about it...

crowheart · 09-20-2007, 10:54 AM

The medical community really needs to work on that. They have made great strides on the Breat Cancer issue of being sensitive and not trying to scare the hell out of people. I once had a skin biopsy done and the doctor left a cryptic message on my voice mail; telling me to call her about the biopsy. It turned out to be normal. That was on a friday afternoon. I couldn't get in touch with her until monday. I agonized about that call all weekend long. Next time I had to deal with her I made sure she and her nurse understood not to call me unless there is cancer. I would call them for the results. That worked out much better. I am currently waiting for results on a biopsy, and believe me I know the stress associated with the whole process.

Peace...

lonershark · 09-29-2007, 12:35 PM

My doctor had me call in for the results on the phone, it was bcc. But my understanding is that the majority of doctors make you come in to tell you either way, positive or negative. I think that is just to be able to collect money from your insurance co.for another office call