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Newly diagnosed and nervous
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Newly diagnosed and nervous

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Newly diagnosed and nervous

  • Post
    • February 27, 2019 at 10:25 pm
    Jell
    Participant

      I have had a dry spot on the back of my thigh for many years. The last couple of months it has changed colour and has grown to about 1.75cm wide. I saw my gp and he did a 3mm punch biopsy on it. The pathology came back as melanoma in-situ with possible superficial spreading pattern.
      My dry spot has since grown out to 2cm and is spreading and is now also feeling alot thicker and harder to the touch. It is also throbbing at times.

      I have an appointment to see a surgeon next week.

      The pathology didn't mention a thickness.

      In your experience do you think my wide excision will be done under a local or general?

      I am a bit nervous because the gp said they would go 1cm either side of the melanoma and then triple the length and then go down to the level covering the muscle.

      Appreciate any advice you can give.

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    • Replies
        • February 28, 2019 at 1:16 am
        Julie in SoCal
        Participant

          HI Jell,

          First of all, welcome to our community.  I'm sorry you had reason to find us, but I trust you'll find this a warm, caring and knowledgeable group.  

          Second, we done in getting on this early.  Mel in-situ has very positive outcomes.  Something around 93% recurrence free survival at 5 years and 98% at 10!  The stats don't get any better at that in melanoma-world!  Well done!

          What you describe (1cm around the mel and then x3 to close) sounds like the standard of care and what is normally happens with a Mel in-situ.  I have found the WLE is usually done under a local, but it depends on the location of the mel and the doctor's preference. The majority of my WLEs (I've had many)  have been under local but I did have one (with a different doc) that was under light sedation.  I prefer the local, because then I can then drive myself and it doesn't mess with my head, but it seems to be up to your doc. So talk with your surgeon about this.

          If you have any other questions ask away, this is a great place of wisdom.

          Shalom,

          Julie

            • February 28, 2019 at 5:03 am
            Jell
            Participant

              Thanks Julie, 

              I appreciate your welcome and fast reply.

              I have also noticed my mel which is on my outer thigh has grown since the puch biopsy from 1.75cm to now being 2.5cm (in 2 weeks). Is this normal process or should I let my gp know…

               

              • March 2, 2019 at 1:19 am
              Summer S.
              Participant

                Hello Dear, 

                well now you are on board, house rules are to let your GP/oncologist know about everything. 

                Be as observant as possible, and report everything promptly. It will help you make better and timely decisions along the way. 

                Stay Strong 🙂 

                • March 2, 2019 at 1:19 am
                Summer S.
                Participant

                  Hello Dear, 

                  well now you are on board, house rules are to let your GP/oncologist know about everything. 

                  Be as observant as possible, and report everything promptly. It will help you make better and timely decisions along the way. 

                  Stay Strong 🙂 

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