Hello EmmieZ and thanks for your post,

It is difficult to be too precise as I am not involved in your care but superficial may mean that the melanoma is confined to the epidermis. This is the top layer of skin. It is also described as melanoma in situ. The doctors need to make sure that there is a clear margin when they remove the melanoma. Do check with your consultant as they have all your information.

You can read more about the staging here

You may find it helpful to read through the various links before your next appointment so you can have a list of questions to ask your doctor.

I do hope that this helps. If you would like to ring and chat this through with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are welcome to give us a call.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine

Check your lymph nodes and investigate your skin but superficial typically has the most positive outcomes. My partner's appeared superficial but it was in his lymph nodes. He was very unlucky but I've looked at photos and can see his mole was changing for years before we picked up on it. The sooner caught and least deep the better. Did you have a punch or excision biopsy? I'm assuming punch as you are having further surgery.

Whether punch or excision removal, the patient should always have a wide local excision according to NICE guidelines. Punch biopsies shouldn't be used for a suspected melanoma and it doesn't remove the whole tumour. I hope your husband is doing well.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

I had the whole mole removed. I’m waiting to have a wide excision. Thank you 

Thank you so much. I noticed it about 3 months ago. I’m just worried because it doesn’t look superficial to me. It was raised, pink and ulcerated. Can this still be superficial as it certainly doesn’t sound it by reading up on it. It has all been urgent which seems worrying too. 

My partner's was a punch as it was on his scalp. Not a lot of loose material to work with. He needed a graft when it was finally removed. He's stage 4.

Melanoma should be urgent whatever stage it's at. If you're coping it's healthy to be cautious and question. Writing down questions/answers and making them include you in the decision making. They measure the depth it reaches in the skin and grade from there. It isn't perfect but they get it right most of the time or the stats wouldn't be what they are. I don't like coming at people with a cautionary tale but we didn't take it seriously enough and didn't notice the lymph nodes in time.