MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Margins only 3mm
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Margins only 3mm

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Margins only 3mm

  • Post
    • December 15, 2017 at 7:58 pm
    Sarah 2345
    Participant

      Hi

      i was recently diagnosed with a melanoma Insitu and the report said I need a WLE with 10mm clearance. 

      The surgery has taken place and the histopathology report states there was no malignancy seen on surgical sample and there was a 3mm margin. 

      this 3mm margin is really concerning me. I called th doctor and he said he’d taken more out but the skin shrinks a before it gets to the lab. I’ve never heard this before. Does anyone know about this. I’m thinking for peace of mind I should have more cut out but not sure how to go about this. 

      Thanks. 

    Viewing 0 reply threads
    • Replies
        • December 16, 2017 at 12:33 am
        Janner
        Participant

          Tissue does shrink, but it is not going to shrink 7mm.  It could be that your doc is thinking that margins should be 5mm – which is the basic standard of care for in situ.  It's more feasible that he thought he was taking 5mm margins and not 1cm.  If you want more margins taken, you would just need to talk with either the same doc or a different derm or surgeon and request wider margins.  Probably an unnecessary surgery but you have to do what makes YOU comfortable.  I don't think asking for wider margins is unreasonable.

      Viewing 0 reply threads
      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
      About the MRF Patient Forum

      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

      Popular Topics