Cancer Research UK main site

High Grade Melanoma

Hobbitzs
Offline

I was diagnosed with a high grade melanoma in situ in August last year 2024

I had a biopsy done quite quickly…then had a wider excision 9 weeks after biopsy result. By the time I had the wider excision the excision had opened only where the mole was I had hole that would not heal..I knew it was cancer before I was even told and the fact that it wouldn’t heal where the mole was just confirmed it for me. 

I got my results back saying the tumour had been removed and they could not see that it had spread.

I am concerned as nothing else has been explained to me and there is a big difference between one in situ to a tumour??

I know these types of moles are particularly nasty and can just branch off and end up anywhere?

I have received a letter to be seen in June this year at the clinic and advised to take pictures of any moles I have and watch for changes. 

My outer thigh where the mole was is still painful in and around the site and other areas. Please advise me.

i am currently been seen at a Hospital in Kent

Many Thanks

Karen 

  • Hi there karen and thank you for your post

    I am sorry to hear about you needing to have surgery to remove a melanoma in situ last year. It is understandable to have questions if your team haven't explained what this means for you.

    It is reassuring to hear that the melanoma was found to be in situ, which means it was contained which is classed as a stage 0 melanoma.

    Some doctors still refer to these as precancerous as they haven't had the chance to grow beyond the first layer of skin, therefore they have a very low risk of spreading elsewhere and surgery is usually a successful treatment for these.

    It is important to keep an eye on any other moles you have so that if you notice any unusual changes you can get them checked out.

    If you remain concerned do speak with your doctor about this.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Hello Naomi,

    Thank you kindly for responding to my message. You have eased my anxiety about this matter :))

    I will contact my GP as advised ;)) 

    kindest Regards

    karen 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.