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Confused and concerned after phone call

Rover77
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I had a mole removed for a biopsy approximately 4 weeks ago. A few days ago I received a call from the cancer nurse in the dermatology department. She said that my results were to be discussed at a MDT meeting this week but proceeded to book me in for a wide local excision. She said the margins from the original mole excision were not clear enough. 

My worry now is what are the biopsy results meaning they want me to jave a WLE? Is this only done in the case of a melanoma?

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    Hi Rover77

    I'm not a nurse but I have been a melanoma patient for many years.

    That sounds like an unusual call from the nurse. I'm hoping that the original excision didn't remove the normal amount of tissue around the mole and histology are having problems examining the sample. This happens on rare occasions. However, I would have hoped she had explained it better. I would be inclined to ring them back tomorrow and ask for them to explain why you need a WLE when you haven't received any results yet.

    I hope you get a clear explanation from them. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation and I can understand how unsettling it can be waiting for results.

    I think it would be reasonable as the other forum member suggested to ring the cancer nurse up to see if you can get more information. If you can find out when the MDT meeting is held perhaps you could speak to the nurse after that. It is dfficult to try and second guess what it all means so it is best for you to chat this through with them.

    I do hope that you know more soon.

    If you feel at anytime you would like to speak to one of the helpline nurses then do give us a ring.

    We are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and our number is Freephon 0808 800 4040.

    All the Best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Thanks for both your replies. The nurse informed me they were meeting on Thursday and she would call me after that. I will hopefully find out more then. I'm keeping busy so coping well so far. The WLE is Sunday morning so I will know by then I suppose exactly what's been found in the original biopsy. 

    Thanks again

  • Offline in reply to Rover77

    So the cancer nurse called me back today. My case was discussed at the MDT and they are sending the sample off for a 2nd opinion. Unfortunately it's at least another 2 weeks in limbo. They have cancelled my WLE on Sunday. She explained I will still need it, they are unsure how large it will be and they don't want for me to have to go back in a 3rd time. I asked what the likely outcomes were, she informed me it was either a dysplasia nevus or a melanoma. It's the wait that's so hard. Was expecting answers weekend.

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