After surgery on 6th March I found out that I had a melanoma on my back. I spoke to consultant on 23rd may and was told my melanoma was stage 2c. He then recommended sentinel node biopsy and wide local excision. I am still awaiting this surgery and concerned that the melanoma could be spreading. Is this usual to have to wait so long for this procedure. I have today been given a provisional date of 2nd August but am really concerned about the delay in getting this surgery.
Hi Chrib,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.
Feeling anxious while waiting for further treatment is common. As it has been confirmed as a stage 2c a second surgery is usually performed called a wide local excision (WLE). You can read more about this on British Association of dermatologists which also mentions about having a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
I’m not able to find any guidance about timescales on having the second surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy. We have had previous posts on our Melanoma forum and the time frames seem to vary from patient to patient.
The nurses on the support line don’t have any access to your medical records, so it would be a good idea to speak with your hospital team about your concerns. They should be able to talk you through your pathology report and any risk of delays for further treatment.
I really hope this information was helpful. Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.
Take care and best wishes,
Sarah (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: SMc/CF
