Waiting for wide local excision & sentinel lymph node biopsy

Hi

I had my original mole removed on 8th July & was subsequently diagnosed with melanoma 1A. I have been told I need a wide local excision & skin graft or flap & a sentinel lymph node biopsy. It is now 11th September (over 9 weeks later) & I still don’t have a date for my surgery. Is this normal? I live in Scotland. 

  • Hi Leanda,

    I've answered your question on your Ask The Nurses post. You appear to be waiting much longer than the pathway states. What date were you given your 1a results and the WLE, SLNB and graft were discussed with the consultant? If it was more than 31 days ago you are waiting too long & I suggest you start contacting your nurse or consultant's secretary & ask for a date to be sorted out. Be persistent.

    Most hospitals aren't hitting their target due to the Covid backlog, a lack of dermatologists and histologists and a rise in patients seeking medical advice for their moles. Your hospital should at least give you an idea as to how long you will be waiting. Meanwhile, try not to worry that the wait will cause a spread - a Stage 1a diagnosis has a very, very small chance of spreading (between 1 & 2% chance). 

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Hi Angie

    Thank you. I didn’t get my 1A results till 7th August but they came back on the 22nd July. I was in the States for 2 weeks so couldn’t attend the tonic till then. I had an appointment with the plastic surgeon on 4th September & was consented for my procedures & told I was being fast tracked due to swollen lymph nodes & the appearance of a new mole. I am being VERY persistent but getting LOTS of conflicting advice. Will phone again today.

    Thank for the encouragement