Hi,

You can't really tell what Friday may bring. If they say you might get a phone call before Friday, it may be to say it was benign. If they don't ring it could be for several reasons - either the results are delayed so they could still be benign - it was dysplastic (atypical/precancerous) and they want to check any other moles because there is a chance of further dysplastic moles - or it's melanoma (hopefully in-situ or early stage). 

Sadly consultants can't tell for sure on examination so many sit on the fence - only a biopsy can 100% diagnose a mole.

I know you will be anxious but try not to second guess. Write down any questions you may have if the results are positive and hopefully you won't need to ask them. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Thank you for your reply Angie.

How are you with the melanoma now? Do you still have new melanomas from your first in 2009?

Im not usually a worrier but have really struggled with this, my father-in-law died in January from the rare skin cancer called Merkel cell so this has made all this harder.

If a mole is dysplastic, what does that mean? 
Is early stage stage 1?

sorry for the questions Im just trying to pre-empt things in my mind for Friday so I know what to ask.

Thanks again

Dysplastic means it's precancerous. They like to remove them so they don't turn malignant in the future. People with more than 100 moles are more at risk of having a dysplastic mole. Also, once you have a dysplastic mole there is more chance of having another one.

Early stage is Stage 1. It means it's been caught early and hasn't grown too deep so there is a 97% chance it won't spread.

I was first diagnosed Stage 1 in 1996. Unfortunately I was in the 3% that it does spread but it took 13 years to do so (to the nodes in my groin and pelvis). Fortunately the surgery was successful and I've not had a recurrence since then (No Evidence of Disease which is the Melanoma version of 'In Remission'). I've had 6 other dodgy moles removed over the years and thankfully all were benign.

75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health so there is a decent chance that your results will be clear. 

Many thanks again for your reply and sharing your knowledge, you definitely seem to know your stuff.

Im pleased you have been ok and avoided any further issues.

Im sure I may have lots more questions going forward, Ill just keep everything crossed for a positive outcome and see what Im told over the next 48 hours.

Ill share an update when I have one.

Take care x

Hi Angie

Ive been for my appointment today and sadly the diagnosis is melanoma.

Even though I was expecting the worst, Im still feeling all sorts of mixed emotions and upset.

The doctor said it is stage 1A with a Breslow thickness of 0.5mm which she said was encouraging and she also said it was a slow growing melanoma that was not active under the microscope so they were saying lots to reassure me but I am still struggling.

Im due to see a plastic surgeon in 2 weeks to discuss the WLE and she said I will be under their care for checks for a year.

Im hoping ive taken all that she said in and understood and Im hoping over the next few days I will feel a bit better about everything.

Take care x

Hi,

I'm sorry it turned out to be melanoma but please know that Stage 1a is very encouraging. Statistically there is a 96-99% chance you will never have any further problem after the WLE so the odds are good. Also, the year of checks will mentally help you and they will show you what to look out for with regards to moles, lesions, lumps and bumps. You can then check yourself once a month - most problems are found by patients and dealt with quickly.

It will take a few days for it all to settle in. I will send you a friend request so that, if you accept it, we can chat by private message.

Good luck with your WLE 

Angie

Thank you so much for your reply - its very much appreciated.

theres so much to get my head around and whilst I feel positive about the 1A diagnosis, im fearful theres still that chance of something happening.

when I was younger I did enjoy a sunbed but stopped them but I do like the sunshine and foreign holidays, Ive got skin that tans easily and doesnt burn but this summers holiday abroad will be very different - thats something else ill need to navigate whilst still enjoying things like holidays etc.

I am definitely gonna be paranoid over my other moles, part of me wonders if they should all be removed??!

My melanoma mole didnt look like the melanomas we see pictures of, it had just changed slightly so Ill be constantly panicking going forward - im just pleased I trusted my gut feeling about my mole.

I hope all continues to go well for you Steph and thanks again for replying x

Thanks again Angie for the support, Im sure I will be in touch as I navigate this new journey - im just hoping my emotions settle enough so that I can eat and sleep better over the next few days, Im exhausted.

Take care x

You sound exactly the same as me, i am so paranoid and I have gone from a sun worshipper to covered! I went to Cuba 5 months after my diagnosis as it was already booked you just adapt, ive got surf style swimwear with long sleeves and high necks and even swimming leggings! Trust me I was in the skimpiest of bikinis before all this and I'm embracing my new style if it's going to preserve my life. It's all just very, very different! I have the Miskin app downloaded which is great for monitoring moles between check ups and I am super paranoid but its better to be that way.