Waiting for an excision to see if my mole is a melanoma

Hi Ilse and welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to read that your dermatologist wants to remove a mole as there's a suspicion it could be a melanoma.

Just about everyone in this group knows how awful waiting for the excision and then waiting for results is. However, you've done the right thing in getting the mole looked at and you now have to find something that works for you to keep your mind from wandering too often to the 'what ifs'.

I immersed myself in my hobbies, other people clean the house from top to bottom and lots of people find mindfulness helpful. If you think the latter might help then clicking here will take you to the NHS page on mental health apps with links to mindfulness apps, some of which are free.

If it does turn out to be melanoma then treatment is the same no matter what type it is. The initial excision, which is sent off for biopsy, should have removed all of the tumour.

For most people the follow-up treatment is a wide local excision (WLE), which just takes away a larger margin all around the original site to make sure that no melanoma cells have been left, and an optional sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The latter is offered depending on the depth of the melanoma.

I've had both and I'm happy to tell you all about them if you want to know. However, you might want to wait until you get your results. Everyone's different and some people want to know everything in advance while others would rather just take it one step at a time.

When you go for your excision ask how long the results are currently taking to come back in your area and how you'll get them. Pre-covid results took between 2-6 weeks to be returned with the majority being about 4 weeks. Again, pre-covid, results were often given at an appointment with the consultant but I don't know if they're happening over the phone now.

Do come back and let us know when you have your surgery date. If you think of any questions, or just want a general rant, then fire away!

Edit - I meant to add that worrying that an ache or pain you've noticed is related to your possible melanoma is perfectly normal. In the past you probably wouldn't have given your back ache much thought but now it's inevitable that you'll worry it's connected. It's probably best to make an appointment to see your GP if your back is giving you problems.

x

Thanks that information is helpful. When I spoke to a nurse on the helpline yesterday she suggested writing to the consultant. I understand there should be a maximum time of 62 days from the GP referral to treatment. The referral was Thursday the 20th.  The consultant said that the excision would be done by the 10th of October. If the histology takes a while that will be more than 62 days for diagnosis. I was told I would either have the excision at the dermatology clinic which as I am retired i could attend with no notice. If I have to have it done in day surgery I would need to self isolate for two weeks first! There is a vague possibility of getting the excision done via my husband's previous employer but we won't find out until Tuesday if this is a possibility. 

I am more the type that does like to know what is going on. It would be helpful to know what would happen in terms of treatment were it to turn out to be a melanoma. X

I'm glad that you found the information helpful Ilse.

This is a link to information on cancer waiting times. As you'll see, unfortunately the 62 days is a target not a definite time in which you will be seen. 

From past experience you would normally have your excision for a suspected melanoma a few weeks after seeing a dermatologist but there's likely to be a backlog because of the pandemic

Let us know how you get on with contacting your consultant.

Thanks the link is helpful for the letter to the consultant. The thing is if it is a melanoma it is likely to be an agressive one as i understand it.

Hi Ilse

How are you and do you have you a date for your excision yet?

x

Yes I do have an update. In the end I was forced to go privately to have two moles removed. We managed to get a grant towards the cost of the excisions. Fortunately all is OK. I would still be waiting for the excision in the NHS. I feel really let down by the NHS especially as I have worked in the NHS for so many years. I have been advised to increase care of my skin. I do not sunbathe and always cover up when outside. I have realised now that ordinary clothing dies not provide much protection from the sun. A shirt for example provides only about 5% protection. We have just pitched factor 50+ clothing for use in the allotment and garden.

How are you? Have you had your excision or are you still waiting?

Hi Ilse

I well thank you. I had my excision just coming up to 4 years ago now and you can read my story, if you want to, clicking on my username.

That's great news that you don't have melanoma!! I bet you breathed a sigh of relief.

As for being sun safe, this was what I was advised to do when I was first diagnosed:

1. Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

The first summer after I was diagnosed was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. So, every cloud has a silver lining. 

I noticed that you'd made the comment that "A shirt for example provides only about 5% protection" and wondered where you had got this information from? The reason I ask is that all the professionals I've spoken to over the years about sun protection have always said that wearing clothes made from natural fibres like cotton and that are a close weave are perfectly adequate and that you don't need to buy specific UV protected clothing.

Wishing you all the best

x