Melanoma

A brief reminder of my story then a question. Visited my GP 27th Jan with a suspicious mole. Urgent referral to dermatologist seen on the 11th Feb,had 2 moles removed and told to expect the worst. Told it could take 6 weeks for biopsy results to come back, I got them after 4weeks., both confirmed as melanoma, I was told stage 2 on 1 and stage 0 on the other, that was later corrected to stage 1b on both. Had op for wide excisions and sentinel node biopsies on the 30th March,  told it's a 5 week wait for results and my return app on the 5th May. 
1st Question  Has anyone experienced a large seroma and how long did it take to absorb? It is in my groin and is very uncomfortable especially when sitting. 
2nd Question Following the discovery of Melanoma did anyone get a full skin exam? I have lots of moles and skin markings. I asked the dermatology/skin cancer nurse about this she was very vague and said my GP is responsible for a full skin check is this correct? I have made an appointment to see my GP but earliest I could get was 9 days away. 
A friend who was diagnosed last year said the dermatologist gave him a thorough head to toe soon as they discovered his single melanoma. 

  • Hello Scotland63 and thanks for posting, 

    I can understand you asking about this seroma, it must be troublesome having one in the groin. The fluid in seromas gets re-absorbed gradually but I expect how long this takes will vary from one person to another, it could be weeks but seromas can sometimes take several months to go away. Sometimes the doctors decide to drain some fluid off although when they do, it tends to re-accumulate before eventually the fluid stops collecting. If you haven't already, do let your doctors know how uncomfortable it is so they can assess if it needs to be drained. 

    With regards to getting a full skin examination I think practice may vary from one skin department to another. I can follow the logic of this falling within a skin specialist's remit, but it takes time which they don't have, so I can also see why it might be something that the GP has to do, so the specialist can focus on sorting out things that look suspicious. I hope your GP can help and that there isn't any cause for concern. 

    If you want to talk anything over please do give us a call on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are around weekdays, Mon-Fri from 9-5.

    Best wishes,

    Julia