Hi Aranelle and thank you for your post.   

I am sorry to hear about your son.

It's challenging when a loved one receives bad news, and it's even harder when they are far away.

I’m afraid as nurses we cannot provide a medical opinion or say how anyone should be treated as we are not involved in your son’s care. Only a specialist can do this.

The specialist may not have been pleased with the biopsy if they thought they had not removed all of the melanoma.  Therefore the specialist may wish to remove all of the mole.  They may also want to remove a margin of healthy skin around the melanoma to ensure that it has been completely removed.

I cannot comment on what was meant by 50:50. It can mean so many things in different circumstances.

You may find it helpful to read more about melanoma on our website.

If your son has a nurse specialist maybe he can call them and ask for advice.

I hope you hear more soon.  Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best

Take care

Tina