Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 1 reply
  • Views 143 views
  • Users 0 members are here

1b malignant melanoma - diagnosed at the beginning of the year and still waiting for my wide incision. Should I chase this up?

Drimkeelan63
Offline

I had a mole which started to grow in several directions, had photos looked at, then further photos at dermatology clinic,  resulting in the mole being removed on 24/10/25.  I waited till 5/01/26 to be told that it was a grade 1b melanoma,  and that I would have to have a wide incision (still waiting).  My cousin also had a grade 1b melanoma and was told that a wide incision and sentinel lymph node biopsy was needed.  This was done within 6 weeks, and a nurse was assigned to discuss anything with. 

Is there an actual timeline for getting the wide incision done? Should I be having the slnb? Should I have been put in contact with a nurse?   The 7 months it has taken so far have been very stressful,  and I just don't know whether to chase up or just keep waiting.   

Has anyone else had this long a wait, or am I just expecting too much?

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm sorry to hear you are still awaiting your wide local excision. Sadly, some hospitals waiting lists for this surgery are taking anything up to 12 weeks - your cousin's hospital sounds to have a shorter waiting list.

    With regards to being offered a SLNB - not all 1b patients are offered a SLNB depending on the depth & if there is any ulceration. This link explains it in detail https://melanomafocus.org/melanoma-patient-treatment-guide/melanoma-info-by-stage/stage-1/

    You should have been given the contact details of the specialist skin cancer nurse. See if these are on your hospital website & contact them. If they aren't on the website, ring the dermatology number on any hospital literature you've been given/sent. Having already waited 8 weeks, I suggest you chase it up with them - they should be able to give you some indication of how much longer you will be waiting and if you should have been offered a SLNB. Don't be afraid to speak to the nurse - it's their job to be your first point of contact.

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.