Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and that you have a long wait for your WLE and SLNB.

The waiting time you've been given is quicker than average at present. Depending on hospital trusts, the wait varies between 10 and 16 weeks. This is due to a post Covid backlog, more patients referred for initial excision, more patients requiring secondary surgery and the NHS strikes. 

The waiting is the worst part of all this but the good thing is that the melanoma will have been completely removed in the initial excision - the WLE is a belt and braces procedure. Also, the SLNB is not a treatment but a more precise way to Stage the melanoma. Hopefully the wait won't have a detrimental effect regarding a possibility of spread. 

The procedures can be done privately and you can then transfer back under the NHS but you may find, at this stage, not a huge difference in timescale. It's worth you asking your dermatologist or plastic surgeon (if you've been given their details yet).

I've sent you a friend request so that we can chat by private message if you wish to. Good luck with your surgery and please let us know how you get on.

Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009

Hi I was told by surgeon my wle and slnb results will be in 4 weeks after 5 weeks I asked scns nurse on week 5 she said I would get a appointment within 2 weeks its now nearly 2 weeks and heard nothing. Would it be consultant strike affecting this my melanoma was 2mm is this normal to wait this length of time.

Unfortunately this waiting time is normal. It seems 8 weeks is becoming the norm, probably due to the Covid backlog made worse by the strikes, a huge lack of dermatologists and more patients are now being seen & biopsied than ever before. If you haven't heard by Monday give them another ring.

I've sent you a friend request. Please accept it so I can send you a pm.

Hello? 

Hi just an update i got results they found small  melanoma in lymph nodes can only be seen under a micorscope. Got to have pet scan and then be sent to oncologist for treatment.

How do I accept?

How do I accept?

Good morning Smilinglady

You should have a friend request in your notifications (little bell in the top right-hand corner of the screen) that you can accept. 

We have some information about private messaging here that you might find helpful. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator