Return Melanoma

Hi 
I have just had three moles removed (Nov 11th) for suspected melanoma. I have had melanoma in the past with further surgery and SLN removal. I'm feeling very nervous as my Dad had melanoma too. I wonder does anyone know if the process will be the same - if it does indeed come back as positive? Ie further wider excision and the SLN removal-or will the treatment be different if it has returned? They told me it could be 4-6 weeks before I get my results which seems like forever. Try as I might I can't remember how long I waited before I think it all happened much quicker before - in about a week or so (this was back in 2018). I did ask my doctor but all he said was let's see what the results are first. I understand he couldn't give me a diagnosis but some pointers as to what could be the potential treatment could stop all this worrying. Any advice greatly received. Thank you. Kelly

  • Hello Kelly and thanks for posting, 

    I am sorry to learn that you are waiting for biopsy results and can understand this is a stressful time. 

    If one of these moles turns out to be a melanoma, I assume it would be treated like a new primary melanoma rather than a recurrence of the one you have already had treated, in which case a wide local excision would be the next step and a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) might be a possiblity. The SNB would depend on the depth of the melanoma which is measured from the excisional biopsy. 

    You can read about melanoma treatment options on our website at this link  and on the Melanoma Focus charity's website, but for now, it may be a better plan to take things one step at a time and distract yourself as much as you can to take your mind off all of this while you are waiting. 

    I hope time passes quickly and you hear something soon. 

    Feel free to give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. Our number is  Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here weekdays from 9-5.

    Wishing you the best, 

    Julia

  • Hi Julia

    thank you for coming back to me. You are right I need to distract myself. No point in worrying until I have something to worry about.

    take care

    kelly