Have just had sentinel biopsy for melanoma. How will the cancer be traced dealt with
Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.
We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.
Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.
Have just had sentinel biopsy for melanoma. How will the cancer be traced dealt with
Hi Pokerplayer
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a way of checking the lymph nodes closest to the melanoma. You may have this test even if your lymph nodes did not look or feel swollen. It can help to find very small amounts of melanoma that have spread to the lymph nodes.
You usually have an SLNB at the same time as surgery to remove a surrounding area of healthy tissue from where the melanoma was (called wide local excision).
An SNLB provides more accurate information about:
If there are no melanoma cells in the sentinel lymph nodes, it is unlikely the melanoma has spread to other lymph nodes. You will not need further tests or treatment.
If there are melanoma cells in the sentinel lymph node, your doctor will talk to you about the best way of managing this. There is more information here to explain what this might entail.
Melanoma in Focus is a charity for people with melanoma and they provide a range of resources and information that you may find helpful. They also have a Support Line where you can talk to expert skin cancer nurses.
I can see that you’ve joined the Macmillan New to the Community Forum, I hope you are finding this welcoming and supportive. You may wish to have a look at our Melanoma forum where people with a melanoma diagnosis share experiences and emotional support, discuss cancer treatment options, side effects and more.
If you want to talk through this information further, please don’t hesitate to call us on our support line.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.
Best wishes
Karen, 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.
Ref/KHe/BL
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2024 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ. VAT no: 668265007
