Biopsy results for suspected melanoma

I had a biopsy on a suspect malignant melanoma mole back in August 2019,the wait for the results has been so stressful. Just had a call to say I've got to go and see a clinical nurse specialist on Tuesday. My mind is going all over the place, imagining all sorts. Has anyone else had this experience, or can shed any light on possible outcome please? 

  • Hi,

    Wow, that's a long wait for results. I'm suspecting, because of the long wait & the fact you are going to see the CNS, that the results won't be too serious. It may be that the mole was a dysplastic (atypical mole) - looks dodgy but is benign - however they like to remove these as they can turn cancerous in the future. They also like to check all your other moles as people with dysplastic moles tend to have more than one. Or it may be a melanoma in situ (Stage 0) - this is where cancerous cells have been found in the mole but it hasn't grown into the first of layer of skin, it just sits on the top so there is no chance of any spread. 

    Hopefully the results will be one of the above. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

     

  • Thankyou so much for your reply angie t, hopefully that's the case, I will let u know after the apt on Tuesday. Appreciate you taking the time as its been a stressful few months.

    Claire

  • Hi Angie

    Got my results yesterday, it's a stage 1 melanoma, saw my nurse who was lovely and going to have a wide excision to make sure. 

    Just feel really panicky and scared, don't know if this is a normal reaction, but I'm struggling a bit at the moment. 

    Claire

  • Hi Claire,

    I'm sorry the results were melanoma & that you are feelig panicky & scared - this is a completely normal reaction to the news. You are in shock at the moment but it will slowly dissipate and you will be able to think a little clearer about what it all means for the immediate future. Stage 1 isn't too bad as it means you've caught it early & only 5% of cases have any recurrence in the future. They have got it all out but the WLE is just to ensure there isn't a stray cell sitting in the surrounding tissue. You will then be on regular checkups for a time (between 1 to 3 years depending on the full stage ie. 1a, b or c). 

    For the moment you need to be kind to yourself - rest, pamper yoursel and let the shock wear off. Don't start dwelling on what might happen in the distant future because you have 95% chance that you will have no further problem. If I can help with anything just send me a private message.

    Angie x