Hi,

Firstly, can I allay your fears that, if the third mole is also melanoma, it means it's spread. Melanoma doesn't spread from mole to mole  - each mole is classed as a primary mole, totally unconnected to each other. 

Stage 1a is the next best to melanoma in-situ (Stage 0). It means it's very thin and has very little chance of spreading into the surrounding tissue. They just do the extra surgery as a belt and braces procedure for the rare patients where it has spread. Most 1a patients get a clean result from the second procedure - the Wide Local Excision.

Don't Google - it elevates fears rather than always them. I will send you a friend request so that, should you want more information, we can talk by private message.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Sophie

Just read your post. I too was diagnosed stage 1A melanoma 2020. 1st surgery was deep to make sure they go down to Breslow depth and beyond as my disgnosis was from punch biopsy. 2-3 weeks later had wide excision surgery to ensure clear margins. When derm team checked my body I too needed several moles removed - all benign. I'm sure by now you've had both surgeries and hopefully are on way to recovery esp with your emotions.  I am waiting for bcc removal and feeling stressed due to prev melanoma. My advice Sophie is factor 50 face even in winter La Roche Posay is lovely under makeup and factor 50 body that's exposed when it's hot no matter what season. I lost my brother in law to melanoma 20 yrs ago who was stage 3 and so my diagnosis is uppermost in my mind. I too was told melanoma was thin but take no risks with the sun - don't sunbathe EVER - you can still go in pool on holiday just factor up or better still invest in rash vest (Aussie style).

Wishing you well, Sophie