Paediatric melanoma - diagnosis process. Anyone out there?

I'm glad you had a good experience

To be honest so far parents in a similar position are like a needle in a haystack and friends are either blase to try and reassure me which makes me feel unheard or they're very concerned which makes me panic.

So yeah, bit lost but i'm sure it'll all work out.

UPDATE

Dermatologist phoned on Friday morning, asked us to come in that day to meet herself and plastic surgeon who would be doing the surgery on NHS.

Daughter was extremely distressed and wouldn't let PS have much of a look but he saw enough. Was in agreement it's a 'red flag' issue and phoned his secretary to book in immediately. We're expecting a letter in the next 10 days. She'll need a general anesthetic and it will be a simple removal with hopefully paper stitches.

Following pathology report we will see if WLE is required.

Sorry to hear how distressed your daughter was . It must all be very frightening for her.

It's good that you'll soon have the date for her operation though as the waiting around is always a very worrying time.

x

Hi so sorry you and your daughter find yourself here. It’s terrifying as an adult so can hardly comprehend what it must be like for your little one. Can you do lots and lots of role play with her about what is to come? It might help a little. Also your hospital should have play therapists which should be able to help. Alternatively I found the iPad and/or a new toy unveiled just before the appointment helped my son who was in hospital recently. 

Can I ask where your daughters mole is and what took you to get it checked out? My son has a cluster of three moles on his scalp and I took him to the doctors to check them but the nurse was very dismissive and wouldn’t even give me a dermatology referral! I was really angry, considering I’ve had melanoma I expected them to give me a referral just for my peace of Mind! Xx

Hi lovely, thanks for the tips - I'll be sure to try the role play etc.

My daughter's mole is on her arm, it's one of around 15 she has. It has been rapidly changing in size, colour, texture and shape.

I'm sorry to hear you had melanoma yourself, hoping you're well now. As for your little one I'm sure he is fine as people keep telling me (eyeroll) melanoma in children is very rare - to be honest I am fed up of hearing that as it feels SO dismissive of my worries but the reality is that is IS very very rare.

That said your go should always follow nice guidelines to the letter and look at the ABCDE thingy - if you do a quick Google (or not depending on if you avoid) many experts say evolution/change s the most important thing with children as paediatric melanoma often presents differently to adult. Anyway, regardless, as you have family history and significant worries your GP definitely should refer your son - I would insist.

Let me know how you get on xx

Hi scaredmum90

how are you getting on with your daughters treatment?

has she had the mole removed yet? Do you have any results back?

Hi rubytip :) removal is on the 28th, hoping for results within 14 days but we'll see! Haven't told her about it yet, we're waiting until about four days before on advice from the dermatologist.

Thanks for asking x

Hi

How did your daughter's mole removal go today? I'm hoping that it wasn't too traumatic for her or you. Did they give you an indication of how long it'll be before they hope to have the results back?

x

Hi thanks for asking :) It went fine, the nurses and drs were fab.

In case it helps anyone else in future I'll add here that to prepare we made her a social story with pictures / symbols to let her know a rough running order and what to expect. It massively helped as she was able to anticipate the day. On the advice of dermatologist we waited until 4 days before to give her time to process but not too long to dwell.

We opted for the mask for sedation and had a cannula inserted once she was under. No issues. 

Anyway the surgeon said it went well, we're to see nurse in two weeks to check would and plastic surgeon in 4 for  review. Pathology will be 3/4 weeks - they're not sure.

Hope you're well? X

Hi scaredmum, 

I have been thinking about you, I’m so glad to hear everything went well. Sounds like you did an absolutely brilliant job of preparing her. Fingers crossed for the results. Sending lots of love to you both x