What happens to your sample?
Skin removed at biopsy or surgery is sent to a pathology laboratory. A pathologist examines it under a microscope and reports the findings to your doctor. The report helps confirm the diagnosis and decide whether further treatment is needed.
Routine skin results are often available within one to two weeks, but complex samples or specialist review can take longer. Sentinel node results can take around two to four weeks. Your team will explain the likely timing for your sample.
How we discuss your results
A clinician will call you if your results require urgent action. Otherwise, your results will be discussed with you at your follow-up appointment.
Confirm your review appointment before leaving. If it has not been arranged, or your results are taking longer than expected, call the clinic. No contact does not mean a result is clear.
A review is an opportunity to ask what the diagnosis means, whether all recommended treatment is complete, and when your next skin check should be. Bring a support person or a list of questions if helpful.
Terms you may hear
Benign
The sample does not show cancer. Your doctor will explain whether anything further is needed.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
These are types of skin cancer. Treatment and follow-up depend on their features, location and the pathology findings.
Melanoma and Breslow thickness
Melanoma needs a specific treatment plan. Breslow thickness describes how deeply it extends into the skin and helps guide further surgery and whether lymph node assessment should be discussed.
Clear margins
No cancer cells were found at the cut edges of the examined specimen. Your doctor will explain whether the margin is adequate for that diagnosis; a clear diagnostic biopsy can still be followed by a wider excision for melanoma.
Involved or close margins
Involved margins mean cancer cells reach a cut edge. Close margins mean cells are near an edge; this is a separate finding. Your doctor considers the diagnosis and report when deciding whether more treatment is needed.
Why another procedure may be needed
- More tissue may be needed to clear an involved margin.
- A melanoma diagnosis may require a wide local excision around the original biopsy site.
- A sample may need further assessment or specialist review.
- Your surgeon may recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy for selected melanomas.
The team will explain the reason, options and timing before the next step. Read the excision guide or sentinel node guide if these procedures have been recommended.
Keeping your follow-up plan
Wound reviews, stitch removal and results reviews have different purposes and may be scheduled together or separately. Attend each planned appointment; call if you cannot make it so the team can arrange an alternative.
After treatment, ongoing skin checks are tailored to your diagnosis and risk. Report new, changing, bleeding or non-healing spots between appointments rather than waiting for your next scheduled check.
Concerns while you wait
Call 07 7520 8580 if you are unsure when your results will be discussed or need help arranging follow-up. For an urgent wound concern, use the when to seek help guidance.