Hi,

It may well be that dermatology care in Scandinavia is quicker than the UK (is it private treatment)? The size of the excision does sound large - usually the margin taken for biopsy is 2 to 3mm but again, it may differ where you are being treated (they may take a larger margin for biopsy in an effort to bypass doing a wider local excision when diagnosed with melanoma). It might be worth searching online to see if there are any skin cancer support groups in the country you reside in - you may be able to get information as to how their health system deals with skin cancer. 

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

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi Roman12,

I'm going through something similar myself. I was urgently referred to the dermatologist under the two week rule, I was told that my mole wouldn't be removed on the day but it obviously looked suspicious enough for the dermatologist to remove it there and then. She told me I would be coming back to get more skin taken off when the results came through. So maybe it's just to save you coming back later like I have to? I haven't even got my results and she's decided on that. I'm not sure how much they can find out just from looking at it? Obviously more than I thought. I've been waiting 2 weeks now and the wait is 4-6 weeks here, it's absolute torture. 
 

Keep us updated with everything and if you need anyone to talk to that's going through something similar I'm here ️
 

Elena

Hi

Thanks for your messages. After my crazy weekend of googling I decided to keep myself busy and calmed down a little.  

I was back for my results yesterday and found out it’s stage 1a superficial spreading melanoma. I feel so lucky to have caught it early.  They performed a second Wide local excision on the day (they had a cancellation, so doubly lucky). They removed an extra 5mm of skin to make 1cm total and I just head back for a review appointment in 3 months. Hopefully, that will be that. 

Elena, how are you getting on with waiting? It’s such a long time for you. ️ If you’d like to talk or let of some steam then I’m always here... keep me updated on how you get along and please send me a PM if you’d like a chat x 

That's good news Roman. They will check you regularly for a space of time & then you should be fine with no further problem. 

Hi Elena,

I hope you've managed to get your results before Christmas - if not, I hope they don't take too much longer. Good luck,

Angie