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Advice for Sentinel Lymph node Biopsy
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Advice for Sentinel Lymph node Biopsy

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Advice for Sentinel Lymph node Biopsy

  • Post
    • January 5, 2017 at 8:36 pm
    Anonymous17
    Participant

      Hello Everyone,

      I was recently diagnosed with stage 1a melanoma. My pathology report is 0.34mm in depth with no ulceration, mitotic rate of 0, some regression present and no other warning signs. My doctors are saying that a lymph node biopsy is  unnecessary but I wanted to hear your guys thoughts? Should I get it done? I already had the Wide Local excision done so is it to late at this point, what are your guys thoughts? Thank you for responding I really appreciate it.

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 5, 2017 at 9:28 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          With a very low risk lesion like that it is not neccessary and would likely not be covered by insurance either. Plus you had your WLE, so you can't go back and do an SLNB after, it would have to be done before the WLE. 

          I know it's scary having had this diagnosis, but you've got really high chance of never dealing with it again. Try not to read much on this site, as it only causes unneccessary anxiety for low stage folks like yourself.

          All the best,

            • January 6, 2017 at 3:24 pm
            Treadlightly
            Participant

              I concur with Jenn…it is too late to do a SLNB. The reason the "standard of care" does not recommend doing the SLNB for these very early stage melanoma lesions is that they have not reached the depth of tissue where the lymph system exists, so it would be pointless to be looking for something that simply cannot be there.

              Relax and appreciate that you found this issue very early and are completely cured at this point.

              Best regards,
              Mark 2A

              • January 6, 2017 at 3:24 pm
              Treadlightly
              Participant

                I concur with Jenn…it is too late to do a SLNB. The reason the "standard of care" does not recommend doing the SLNB for these very early stage melanoma lesions is that they have not reached the depth of tissue where the lymph system exists, so it would be pointless to be looking for something that simply cannot be there.

                Relax and appreciate that you found this issue very early and are completely cured at this point.

                Best regards,
                Mark 2A

                • January 6, 2017 at 3:24 pm
                Treadlightly
                Participant

                  I concur with Jenn…it is too late to do a SLNB. The reason the "standard of care" does not recommend doing the SLNB for these very early stage melanoma lesions is that they have not reached the depth of tissue where the lymph system exists, so it would be pointless to be looking for something that simply cannot be there.

                  Relax and appreciate that you found this issue very early and are completely cured at this point.

                  Best regards,
                  Mark 2A

                • January 5, 2017 at 9:28 pm
                jennunicorn
                Participant

                  With a very low risk lesion like that it is not neccessary and would likely not be covered by insurance either. Plus you had your WLE, so you can't go back and do an SLNB after, it would have to be done before the WLE. 

                  I know it's scary having had this diagnosis, but you've got really high chance of never dealing with it again. Try not to read much on this site, as it only causes unneccessary anxiety for low stage folks like yourself.

                  All the best,

                  • January 5, 2017 at 9:28 pm
                  jennunicorn
                  Participant

                    With a very low risk lesion like that it is not neccessary and would likely not be covered by insurance either. Plus you had your WLE, so you can't go back and do an SLNB after, it would have to be done before the WLE. 

                    I know it's scary having had this diagnosis, but you've got really high chance of never dealing with it again. Try not to read much on this site, as it only causes unneccessary anxiety for low stage folks like yourself.

                    All the best,

                Viewing 2 reply threads
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