How long did you wait between biopsy result and surgery stage three recurring melanoma

Hi Cally Wales and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll both find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I'm sorry to read that your melanoma has recurred. I had my initial diagnosis privately but was then transferred to the NHS for my biopsy and subsequent WLE and SLNB. However, I'm tagging Mark B23 into my reply to you as he's just had surgery done privately so will hopefully be able to explain how he went about that.

By surgery, I'm assuming that you mean the WLE and SLNB that you have after the excision biopsy. The length of wait does seem to vary around the country. When I had mine done 6 years ago I waited 10 weeks between my biopsy and having the WLE and SLNB. More recently in the group I've seen times ranging from between 4-12 weeks. The best person to speak to would be your SCNS as she will know what the current wait time is in Wales.

It would be great if you could put 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.

Hi Cally,

My mum was diagnosed stage 3B in Feb 2022, then scans showed a recurrence at the start of May 2023, I think on the fifth or sixth. Her surgery was on the 12th of June. We didn't actually think to go private, but I'm not sure how much faster it would have been. So sorry you're going through something similar, and I really hope you get the treatment you need fast. Oh, and we're NHS England, in the North East.

Hope that helps,

Pip x

Sorry to hear that you have had a recurrence.  I am in the south west.  I never hear anything from the NHS for two months so than went private. It may depend on who is your plastic surgeon following diagnosis via dermatologist.  Mine surgeon was quite well connected.  From first appointment a few days after first contact by phone, to surgery, including biopsies, and preceding ct scans and nuclear scan was about three weeks. I was stage 2c at diagnosis by the private dermatologist.  I was also told that in the south west you will wait at least 12 weeks between first meeting your plastic surgeon and surgery if on the NHS pathway. Something I never could get on.  No change out of £15000 by the way. Best of luck.

1. Dear Cally,

• I am sorry to hear about your recurring melanoma news. Glad your having it removed.

My husband just heard back from doctor for his recurring tumour on his head. He has got melanoma stage 4. It has spread to his lungs.  It will take about 3 weeks for him to get the operation. Hope this can help.