Hi, am newly diagnosed (March 2023) melanoma in situ, Stage 0. Due to have initial appointment this week to discuss treatment plan, dermatologist has explained that this will be a WLE. I have been quite pressured at work to get this done asap in order to minimise disruption; the hospital has said today the WLE will likely be end of May, if not later.
My question is, is there a 'window' to do the WLE? Initial biopsy done March 1. Am concerned this may need to be done sooner rather than later?
Also, a further question to anyone who has been in this position: I have had more moles looked at since the initial biopsy, one in particular I thought looked 'different'. Irregular border, not symmetrical. Have no idea if it has changed as have not been very vigilant regarding moles ( but am now, obviously am quite worried). Dermatologist said she did not feel it was in my best interests to have more removed, as I have had massive anxiety waiting for biopsy results. She has also said they did not meet the criteria for removal. This was sort of reassuring, but has anyone ever asked for a second opinion? Does anyone know what the criteria for mole removal is? Feel like my life is on hold until I can get the WLE done and any other dodgy moles removed.
Appreciate I am 'lucky' the mole was found at this early stage, however, I do not mind admitting I have found the whole process extremely stressful.
Thanks,
Hi Edwina and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I don't think there's any set timeframe in which a WLE has to be done after the initial excision biopsy. I had my original excision in mid-October, received my melanoma diagnosis at the end of November, then had my WLE in February, so about 4 months after the excision biopsy.
I think a lot depends upon the availability of the surgeons. Some people get their surgery only a couple of weeks after they have had their results while others report not having the WLE for a couple of months afterwards.
It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
