Melanoma surgery

Hi Mouse7 and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is an informative and supportive place to be.

I think from your post that your surgery is to remove a lesion which, looking at it, is possibly a melanoma. Is that right? If so, then it will be sent off to the pathology laboratories to be examined to see whether it is a melanoma or not. 

Although it's natural to be scared, even the specialists get it wrong sometimes and it might not be a melanoma, although I can understand you wanting to prepare for the worst. I've had two moles removed. The first the consultant was sure was 'nothing to worry about' and it turned out to be a melanoma whereas the second one the consultant (a different one) thought it was a melanoma but it wasn't!

When you go for your biopsy excision make sure to ask how long results are currently taking in your area of the country and who to contact if you've not heard within that timeframe. It's also a good idea to ask how you'll hear, ie hospital appointment, over the telephone by letter, etc.

Let us know how you get on

Anne

Hello, thank you for responding to me. 

I had the exam last week and I'm having it removed on Monday, so a quick turn around. He said it has all the markers and does look very suspicious, however, he thinks it's early stage.

I think I may have been quite naive by simply believing this will be removed and that's that. But I really don't know what's going on in there, do I? I know I shouldn't worry until the results are back but I do feel as though I've been a bit naive. I suppose there is the risk this won't be simple, right?

Thank you 

That's perfectly true but it may be simple 

It's natural to worry but try to remember that no amount of worry will change the outcome but it will ruin the present.

xx