SLNB

Hi Douthc511dc and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I was diagnosed with Stage 2a amelanotic melanoma nearly 9 years ago and had a WLE and SLNB. When I was diagnosed SLNBs were only just being offered alongside WLEs. 

I was worried about the risk of developing lymphoedema if I had a SLNB but, after speaking to the surgeon who was going to be performing the operation, I decided to go ahead. 

My reasoning was that I didn't want to discover years down the line that the melanoma had spread and I could have started treatment sooner if it had been spotted in my lymph nodes.

However, I can see that you're being given immunotherapy even though you're only Stage 2. When I was diagnosed immunotherapy wasn't on the table as a preventative measure, it was only given if it was found to have spread to your lymph nodes or other parts of your body, ie Stage 3. So I can understand your thoughts about not having a SLNB to check for spread.

Thank you for your reply 

Mine was initially stage 1b and I took the option of the slnb, which then changed it to a 3a after finding melanoma in one lymph node (scans were all clear). I was told by the oncologist that the depth of the melanoma is more important than if it’s found in the lymph nodes. I would suspect this (and the type of melanoma) is why you’re having immunotherapy without the need for the slnb. I take it you’ve had/will have scans?

Thank you for your reply. Yes I’ve had scans and they were fine. I took the decision not to have the SLNB, as I have other health conditions that would require me to stay in hospital for a few days, instead of day surgery. I have a phobia about staying in hospital. I understand that scans can sometimes be wrong, as in your case. My melanoma was nodular 4.5 and ulcerated. 

I can relate to the hospital stay phobia. Even though I had my op late on in the day and had a reasonably long journey to get home, I was adamant I was going home that night!

From what I was told, I would think the slnb isn’t really necessary in your circumstances. You said you will be having immunotherapy, which will help you fight off any cells that may be in your lymph anyway.