1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Cancer

Malignant Melanoma

Posted , 3 users are following.

dutch83
dutch83

I have recently had a mole removed from my neck and have been told after the biopsy that they have found an early stage of malignant melanoma (even though 3 seperate doctors and one specialist told me it was benign but i insisted it was removed after it doubled in size over a year). I was suposed to have the results of the biospy after 3 weeks but instead got them 8 weeks later, i have now been refered to a dermatology clinic  next week and it is likely i will need further surgery to remove the damaged cells. 

Has anyone been in a simalr situation that can offer any advise? Seems like alot of time wasting, why refer me to a clinic, they have found a problem surely i should be booked in for surgery instead of seeing a specialist who will tell me what i already know?

Thanks in advance

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • boedaccia
    boedaccia dutch83

    Posted

    Hello, I didn't have the same type as you (I have had a squamous cell carcinoma removed)

    However I was referred to the skin clinic initially before the maxillofacial surgeon, I would guess this is pretty standard in both our cases.

    There are guidelines for when treatment should commence once diagnosis is confirmed. In my case it was within 31 days of initial appointment with skin specialist.

    Hope this helps

  • Redwoodgirl
    Redwoodgirl dutch83

    Posted

    Hi, The reason you will be seeing a specialist clinic is that they have the expertise knowledge in melanomas. Not all dermatologists will deal with them in their clinic but will refer you to a specialist. Once they have discussed and read the pathology report with you, you will then no doubt go onto have further surgery.Biopsies only take the immediate area of the mole. Often once pathology has come back it can indicate an everyday mole and therefore problem solved. However, because yours has come back malignant melanoma, they will need to do what is known as a wide margin excision. This will be to see if the cells have spread beyond the mole and into the skin. Just because you have no pigment in that wider area doesn't mean the cells haven't spread and that will be the reason why you are being referred to a specialist clinic.

     I had mine removed and had the same pathology. My dermatologist then referred me to a specialist who then did the wide excision. Thankfully mine was what is known as In Situ (means in the skin and no further spread) Yes, it is boring to see a specialist even though you already know the level of melanoma but they don;t know you and will need discussion of your options etc. Good luck!

  • dutch83
    dutch83

    Posted

    Thanks for the advise folks
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.