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1B + ulcerated melanoma

LisLis
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Hi folks, my husband (late 30s, not a sun worshipper at all but typical white scottish freckly skin) has been diagnosed with a Stage 1B Melanoma on his back right on his spine (i think 0.6mm depth, on surface it was 1cm x 5mm wide).  The Dermatologist informed us that they were concerned that the melanoma was ulcerated but didn't really expand.  What does it mean / why is ulceration worse?

His lymph nodes in groin were raised on clinical exam and she has referred him for an ultrasound of the groin and a WLE plus SNB.  He received the diagnosis on Fri 21st April and is not seeing the Plastic Surgeon for initial consultation until 23rd May. Is that waiting time normal (it was removed 6th April, then 21st April result).

I think the ultrasound will happen within 2 weeks but we have no date.

 

Although they emphasised it was a thin melanoma, they said that because of the ulceration they feel they should have a "belt and braces" approach 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting,

    I am sorry to learn about your husband situation and can appreciate you having some questions.

    An ulcerating melanoma means that the skin on top of the melanoma has started to break down. When a melanoma starts ulcerating they have a greater risk of spreading and therefore often a belts and braces approach as you mention is carried out to minimise this risk.

    The important thing is that the team are being very thorough and are carrying out the ultrasound followed by a Wide Local Excision ( WLE) and Sentinel Node Biopsy (SLN) to give the best possible outcome for your husband.

    I hope your husband gets some dates through soon but do still remember that a stage 1b melanoma is still very early stage, so hopefully the treatment he gets will be successful and gives a good outlook.

    Do get back if you need to or have other questions. You are also very welcome to call the nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040 weekdays 9-5 if you would like to.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Hi there

    Thank you for replying, we have the date for the ultrasound and FNB of the groin 17th May followed by the appointment with the Plastic Surgeon on 23rd May. I'm not sure the results of the ultrasound will be available by then.

    I realised my husband has not been offered any blood tests or anything. Would that be typical or should we expect some basic bloods being requested?

    Many thanks

  • in reply to LisLis

    Hello LisLis and thank you for getting back to us.

    A blood test might be done to check the general health of the patient. Also, everyone with melanoma usually has a blood test to measure their vitamin D level. If the vitamin D level is low the doctor will give information and advice about what to do. 

    You can read more about blood tests for people with melanoma on our website here 

    I hope this has been helpful.

    Take care,

    Caroline

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