My 80 year old mother has just had a mole removed from her face that was diagnosed as a stage 1 melanoma. She’s awaiting surgery to remove more around the margins but have not offered a snlb. I’m worried they are not doing it due to her age as they are cutting costs. Is it usual to do a snlb and should she be pushing for it?
thanks
Dear RWI,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
I’m Alison one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists, welcome to the online community.
I am sorry to hear that your mother has been diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma.
At Macmillan we have information on Melanoma treatment overview.
At Melanoma Focus - Stage 1 is explained in more detail. Stage 1A does not require a sentinel node biopsy. However, if your mother has Stage 1B she may be offered a procedure to see if the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes. As you mother does not have clear enough margins at this stage it may be an idea to wait until after the results of this surgery are made available.
It would be best RWI to speak to your mother’s consultant via their secretary or the cancer nurse specialist if she has been allocated one so that you may talk through your concerns with them. They have direct access to your mum’s NHS notes and files and would be only too happy to help you with any queries.
Best wishes,
Alison, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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