No way to edit the post?

Hi Keveen, 

Unfortunately it isn't possible to edit or delete posts on Cancer Chat but do get in touch with a moderator if you need help with anything: cancerchat.cancerresearchuk.org/.../how-do-i-edit-or-delete-my-post

Thanks. Would be better to be able to edit like on other forums. Least of my problems!

Please don't get yourself bogged down with survival rates. Take one step at a time & wait to see if you have melanoma first, otherwise you are wasting time that you could be using for something more pleasurable! It's natural to jump to worse case scenario but you will drive yourself to depression if you do that. The main thing is that it sounds like you have caught it early - if it is melanoma.

A Stage 0 diagnosis means it's confined to the surface of the skin & therefore it can't spread and possibly kill you, in 5 years or ever. If slightly deeper, Stage 1, it comes with a 1 to 3% risk of spreading internally but that still doesn't mean it will definitely kill you after 5 years. I was Stage 1 28 years ago. It spread 15 years ago but I'm still here, with no evidence of disease. 

Survival rates were always shown at 5 years because until recently, a spread from Stage 1 or 2 only had surgical treatment available so the survival rates past 5 years weren't brilliant. However, over the last few years great research now has several types of drug treatment available (for Stage 2, 3 & 4) which has shown great results for survival rates. So much so that they are in the process of publishing survival rates for Stage 4 (advanced and possibly terminal) patients at 10 years. There are many more people at advanced stages living with melanoma than dying from it these days.

So, in answer to your question - if you were Stage 0 - you won't die of melanoma at any time because it wouldn't have spread. If Stage 1 or 2, you will either be successfully treated & won't die of melanoma or, if you are in the small percentage of those that spread, with extra surgery & drug treatment you will have a great chance of still being alive & kicking after 10 years and probably beyond (stats can't show these results yet as the drug treatments haven't been around for more than 10 years). As for being probably cured after 5 years - that's certainly the case for all Stage 0 patients & for about 95% of Stage 1 & 2 patients. 

You still have some time before you get your results. Don't get hung up on the stats & worry before you know those results. Prepare yourself, yes - write down any questions you have in case it is melanoma so you don't forget to ask them but try & calm the fears a little. Good luck & please come back & let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thanks for a comprehensive answer. Pity even the best medical websites haven't got your explanation! Medical talk is a bit blunt. Scare the living daylights out of people. 

After the doctor sent in my photos I was called in a week later, viewed by the consultant and mole cut out on the same day in 2 hours. At least quick and efficient NHS story. Fingers crossed as I am otherwise fit and healthy - apart from stiff recovering ankle. 

Bit calmer but it is scary.