Melanoma reoccurence after 2 years - what happens next?

Hi, I wa diagnosed stage 3b melanoma in July 2021. Wle, slnb and a year of immunotherapy. I'm having 6 monthly pet-ct scans and 4 monthly check ups with plastics and dermatology and 6 monthly oncology appts so I've been well looked after indeed. 

I've had a pet-ct scan 4wks ago  and awaiting the results. Since then 2.5wks ago I've found a hard lump in my left groin (2 fingers width) in my groin right near my slnb scar. The lump hasn't got bigger not has it shrunk. It's not painful but is very noticeable. No other lumps felt anywhere else though.  So I'm fully expecting its a reoccurance. I request an appointment and my cns has gotten me an appointment with plastics for a weeks time. 

What happens 2nd time round? Surgery? Immunotherapy again? I'm braf pos. I just want to get it into my head now so I'm not shocked at what might be discussed at the appointment. Any advice welcome. 

  • Hi Saralou,

    I'm sorry you are facing a possible recurrence. It will depend on how your consultant wants to deal with it. My consultant would do a fine needle aspiration biopsy on the lump. If it's melanoma, they would then decide on a full node clearance followed by more drug treatment or just go straight to drug treatment. More doctors are preferring the latter if they can avoid more surgery.  I will send you a friend request. If you accept it I can send you more information via private message. Good luck and I hope it's just a rogue node.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)