Hi I have just been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and referred for urgent removal the melanoma is on my back and is 35mm big in size and I am very frightened can you please give me some information about what this means for me
I'm sorry that you are facing this. If your mole hasn't yet been removed, the consultant cannot be 100% sure it's melanoma - only the biopsy after removal can confirm their suspicion. Sometimes a mole can look ugly but turn out to dysplastic (also known as atypical or precancerous). If it is melanoma, the size on the skin doesn't necessarily mean it's grown the same depth under the skin - it's the depth of growth that's the important measure.
If the mole has been caught before it's grown too deep, it will be 'early stage' which means that further surgery should be the only treatment required. This is to ensure a cell hasn't broken away & lodged in surrounding tissue. If it's deeper, they will test the nearest lymph node to see if it's spread there. If it has, drug treatment will be offered as a precaution.
It's very early days for you yet and, until it's removed and you get the biopsy results back and properly diagnosed, you don't know what may happen. As it takes a while for these things to happen it's best to try & not dwell on it as the stress can be debilitating. If you are wanting more information about melanoma & it's treatment, take a look at https://melanomafocus.org/melanoma-patient-treatment-guide/ which a brilliant resource to read. They also have a nurses helpline if you want to speak to someone.
I am sorry to hear that you are waiting for the removal of your melanoma and I can understand how unsettling this must be for you.
The surgeon will remove the melanoma and a clear margin around the cancer. You can read more about the surgery here.
Once the tissue has been removed, this is then examined by the pathologist under a microscope. The pathologist will then be able to give your doctors more of an idea of the staging of the melanoma and what your next steps should be.
I know that it is easier said then done but do try and take one step at a time. You may find that this is the only treatment that you require.
Make a list of any questions and concerns that you have for the doctor. You may have a specialist dermatology nurse that you can talk to.
Once you have had the treatment you will have regular follow-up's
Do give the nurses a ring on the helpline if you would like to talk things through.
The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
