Hi valeria,

I'm sorry to hear you are awaiting investigations for melanoma. Are you awaiting the initial referral appointment to the hospital from your GP or are you awaiting the removal of the mole for biopsy? What has your GP or consultant said about your swollen nodes? These can occur for several reasons and it may just be a coincidence that they are swollen at the same time as your mole is being investigated. Because it's multiple nodal areas that are raised it is more likely to be an infection that your body is fighting. Have you had your Covid vaccine within that time frame as some people are presenting with raised nodes due to the vaccine (I'm currently awaiting my consultant checking a lump that's appeared since my second vaccine)? 

A spread of melanoma tends to affect only one nodal area & it's the closest & on the same side of the body as the melanoma so it would affect one side of your groin but not the other areas. So hopefully your raised nodes aren't connected to the mole. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

I am waiting for the initial referral appointment from my GP. I have had both my vaccines. Thank you for letting me know that it usually only spreads to one lymph node. I will let you know how I get on.

Is the lymph node nearest the melanoa usually painful.  I have raised lymph nodes under both arms and in both groins but only 1 is sore. The 1 in my left groin is sore to touch and the melanoma is in my left big toe. I have 1st appointment to see plastic surgeon 21st June. Thank you. Joan.

Hi Joan,

A node affected by cancer cells is usually painless, hard and or rubbery and doesn't move when prodded. A sore node or nodal area usually indicates that the node(s) is fighting an infection or that it's been prodded and poked so much it responds by becoming sore. The nearest (sentinel) node to your toe is behind your knee. Melanoma often lodges in the sentinel node before moving to the groin but it can sometimes bypass the sentinel node and lodge in the groin (as mine did). I think because of all your nodal involvement & the fact one is particularly sore there is a chance it's not due to your mole. Good luck with your appointment - crossing fingers for you. Angie

Thank you so much. I am having an ultrasound of liver and pancreas tomorrow.

Good luck Joan xx

I had a biopsy today on big toenail. Dr thinks that I have got stale blood form trauma. Results in 6 weeks 

Hi Joan,

I'm glad you were seen quickly & had the biopsy done. I know it's a long wait but hopefully the results will bring good news. Meanwhile, try to distract yourself to avoid worrying too much. Good luck and please let us know how your results go,

Angie x