Melanoma in Situ

  • 1 reply
  • 64 subscribers
  • 454 views

Hi, I am new to this group amd hoping to get some information if possible. I received the results from a skin biopsy nearly two weeks ago. This was 11 weeks after the biopsy.

The diagnosis was "at least superficial spreading melanoma in situ with dermal regression including chronic inflammation and melanophages to a depth of 0.4mm. Lesion is 2mm clear of nearest peripheral margin"

The gross description included "SE measuring 20x11x5mm with a central flat dark brown lesion measuring 10x7mm"

I was given an appointmnet for 4 weeks from the results but told if they needed a wider excision I would get called earlier. The MDT were due to meet Friday just gone so I have heard nothing since  

Has anybody with similar diagnosis any information on possibility of wider excision, or chances of having melanoma in any other area of my body that has moles now it was found here. Original biopsy was just behind my ear. 

Should I look for a full review by a dermatologist. My current consultant is an oral and maxillofacial consultant as it was my dentist who referred me. 

The consultant had mentioned that my diagnosis was a strange one, would there be a reason for this? 

Many thanks 

  • Hi  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 haven't had a melanoma in situ but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet.

    Clicking here will take you to the current NICE guidance for a wide local excision (WLE) for Stage 0, also known as melanoma in situ, and clicking here will take you to their follow-up recommendations. As you will see in the second link, NICE recommend that you have a clinic appointment once during the next 12 months before being discharged. That should be with a consultant dermatologist who will check you all over.

    Your consultant should have given you this leaflet which explains what a melanoma in-situ is, how it's treated and how to prevent getting more.


    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.

    Community Champion Badge

     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"