Cancer Research UK main site

I had stage 1b melanoma September 2021

Kazzalou72
Offline

Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 1b melanoma in September 2021. In January 2022 I had back surgery and a biopsy on a lump found in my right arm pit. This came back inconclusive so I then had a CT scan and ultrasound scan. Fortunately, nothing else was detected and I have been going for skin care check-ups annually for the last 3yrs. I recently had an ultrasound scan on a lump found on the back of my head which came back as 'nothing to worry about'. Whilst waiting for my follow-up appointment I discovered a lump in my right armpit. Since then I had a biospy done on the lump and I am having a CT scan in a few days.

Has anyone else experienced a diagnosis of melanoma, being given the all clear and then it returning elsewhere in their body due to the melanoma spreading?

It's all I can think about atm, I know this could be a different type of cancer altogether or something else. The CT scan is for my neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis with contrast.

Thank you.

  • Offline

    Hi Kazzalou,

    I know this is a very worrying time for you but please know it's a 2% chance that melanoma spreads in a Stage 1b patient so hopefully this new lump isn't connected.

    I was in that 2% - diagnosed 1b in 1996 & it returned in my groin & pelvic nodes 13 years later. I had a full node clearance & I'm still here, no evidence of disease, 16 years later. Since then, drug treatment is now available for patients whose melanoma has spread & tis treatment is having great success so, if your lump is melanoma, you have a much better chance of being successfully treated than a few years ago.

    Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie

    Thank you for your reply to my post. I had no information regarding statistics etc so I appreciate that you took the time to let me know about your experience, that must have been a worrying time for yourself and your family. 

    It's great to know that despite the cancer returning you have been cancer free for the past 16yrs!!

    I have my CT scan on Wednesday and hopefully it won't be long after that when I go to see the dermatologist and plastic surgeon for the results along with the result of the biopsy. I am trying to keep a 'positive mental attitude' about it although it is so hard when I have an 8yr old to consider, my mind wanders thinking about the worst case scenario and what might happen to her as i am a single parent.

    Thank you again.

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.