Malignant melanoma recent diagnosis

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Hi All  I went to see dermatologist who removed a suspected melanoma - I was advised it was a “superficial spreading melanoma
Its invasive component was at 6mm and its TNM is pT1a. Margins were positive with positive margin of its peripheral transverse margin line.”
The dermatologist referred me on an urgent basis to the hospital recommending for surgery to remove 1cm around the (2 inch scar site) - I contacted the hospital who told me that it was not urgent and all the melanoma had been removed

I had to wait 63 days to see a consultant at the hospital who then told me it was urgent to have the surgery to remove and would need a skin graft under general anaesthetic- I have my surgery booked in for 27th this month (So 82 days from being told I had the melanoma)
I saw another consultant at hospital this week for a totally unrelated matter - she was more concerned about the melanoma and asked when I had had the CT scan and blood tests - I haven’t had any and none have been offered - she was not impressed and organised bloods to be taken there and then and told me I will need to have a ct scan - I am feeling confused - I live in jersey so we only have one hospital but the initial dermatologist was from Ireland and the consulate I saw this week seconded from the uk - I had my pre op telephone consultation yesterday and asked if a ct scan appointment had been scheduled and was told that I would have to speak to the surgeon the day of my surgery - just feels very disjointed and no cancer nurse or additional support has been offered - 
So I’m asking is this normal to have such delays to be told surgery is urgent, then not urgent by a different department, then urgent again by same department - feeling anxious so would welcome any shared experiences - best wishes 

  • I had a suspected melanoma removed in March which proved to be stage 2a.  I was told I would then need a Wide local excision and a sentinel lymph node biopsy as soon as possible.  After waiting 6 months this was finally done 2 days ago.  I had 2 lymph nodes removed and now have a long scar across my lower abdomen.  Just waiting for the results now.  I think long waits have become the norm unfortunately . 

  • Hi  

    I was diagnosed with Stage 2a melanoma nearly 8 years ago now and it was about 10 weeks between receiving the diagnosis and having my WLE and SLNB. I didn't have blood tests or a CT scan so maybe this is something new.

    Anne

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