newly diagnosed
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newly diagnosed

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  • Post
    • September 4, 2014 at 9:34 pm
    lactansdea
    Participant

      I just received the call that I have malignant melanoma.  I'm awaiting the pathology report by email.  The doc said it was stage 3 – but i don't know what classification system was used.  She said it was not thick and that i'd need WLE and i'd likely be good to go.  Apparently the report said the cells were close to the border of the excision, and as such, another excision was recommended.  Can anyone shed some light?

      thanks.

      newbie

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 4, 2014 at 9:45 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          First off, NOT stage III.  Probably Clark's Level III and stage 0 or 1.  These terms are often confused, but you can't get a stage III diagnosis from just a biopsy.  Second, the WLE (wide local excision) is standard on all lesions.  Basically, it's not good enough to just have CLEAN margins, you want to have EXTRA margins.  So typically a thin melanoma will have 1cm margins taken in all directions around the lesion.  Be prepared (based on location) for a bigger scar than you had with the biopsy.  The incision will most likely be longer on one axis so they can close the wound.  Third, get a copy of your pathology report from your doc.  THAT tells you what you need to know about your lesion.  If you share that here, we can confirm that my staging assumption is most likely right.  Sorry you have to join us here, but "early" is good!

            • September 4, 2014 at 10:35 pm
            lactansdea
            Participant

              this is EXACTLY the reply i was hoping for.  It confirms what i suspected.  I have asked for a copy of the report to be emailed to me.  Thanks for your help.  You've given me tremendous comfort.  The doc didn't seem worried at all, but you know, googling "stage 3" isn't comforting, lol.

              Thanks again.

              • September 4, 2014 at 10:35 pm
              lactansdea
              Participant

                this is EXACTLY the reply i was hoping for.  It confirms what i suspected.  I have asked for a copy of the report to be emailed to me.  Thanks for your help.  You've given me tremendous comfort.  The doc didn't seem worried at all, but you know, googling "stage 3" isn't comforting, lol.

                Thanks again.

                • September 4, 2014 at 10:35 pm
                lactansdea
                Participant

                  this is EXACTLY the reply i was hoping for.  It confirms what i suspected.  I have asked for a copy of the report to be emailed to me.  Thanks for your help.  You've given me tremendous comfort.  The doc didn't seem worried at all, but you know, googling "stage 3" isn't comforting, lol.

                  Thanks again.

                • September 4, 2014 at 9:45 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  First off, NOT stage III.  Probably Clark's Level III and stage 0 or 1.  These terms are often confused, but you can't get a stage III diagnosis from just a biopsy.  Second, the WLE (wide local excision) is standard on all lesions.  Basically, it's not good enough to just have CLEAN margins, you want to have EXTRA margins.  So typically a thin melanoma will have 1cm margins taken in all directions around the lesion.  Be prepared (based on location) for a bigger scar than you had with the biopsy.  The incision will most likely be longer on one axis so they can close the wound.  Third, get a copy of your pathology report from your doc.  THAT tells you what you need to know about your lesion.  If you share that here, we can confirm that my staging assumption is most likely right.  Sorry you have to join us here, but "early" is good!

                  • September 4, 2014 at 9:45 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    First off, NOT stage III.  Probably Clark's Level III and stage 0 or 1.  These terms are often confused, but you can't get a stage III diagnosis from just a biopsy.  Second, the WLE (wide local excision) is standard on all lesions.  Basically, it's not good enough to just have CLEAN margins, you want to have EXTRA margins.  So typically a thin melanoma will have 1cm margins taken in all directions around the lesion.  Be prepared (based on location) for a bigger scar than you had with the biopsy.  The incision will most likely be longer on one axis so they can close the wound.  Third, get a copy of your pathology report from your doc.  THAT tells you what you need to know about your lesion.  If you share that here, we can confirm that my staging assumption is most likely right.  Sorry you have to join us here, but "early" is good!

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