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Melanoma in situ?

Hobbitzs
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I’m hoping someone on here can put my mind at ease. I had a mole removed in August 2024…after waiting nearly six weeks I was advised it has high grade changes/think that all was removed but would require further treatment of Wide Excision. 

My previous little operation I had 5 stitches and you can see where my mole was? I’m really worried all was not removed and because it’s been exposed that it might of spread further? I know I’m probably overthinking this but I can’t help it..I’ve had family members/friends lost their lives to all different kinds of cancers. 

I am also worried about my next operation and when it’ll be. I have fibromyalgia and it was very painful from the start. Can anyone advise me please? Thank you and apologies in advance for being such a baby :(( 

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    Hi,

    Please try not to worry. If your melanoma has been staged as in situ it can't spread while awaiting your WLE as it is contained in the epidermis (top layer of skin). To be able to spread it needs to grow into the dermis or beyond so that the cells can then travel into the lymphatic or blood systems. 

    They will take an extra margin of tissue around the mole next time so it will definitely all be removed. I can't say when your WLE will be as hospital trusts differ but the average wait appears to be 6 to 8 weeks. If you haven't heard anything 4 weeks post surgery I suggest you contact the Cancer Specialist Nurse (if you were given their details) or the consultant's secretary who may be able to advise on how much longer you will be waiting.

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Thank you Angie for your kind words of reassurance  

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