Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Gregsy · New User Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Posts: 2 Location: London

Hi all, I was recently diagnosed with a malignant melanoma on my left shoulder. It was 0.8mm, with ulceration, which I understand categorises it at Stage 1B. It was Clarks level 3.

My dermatologist assured me that, while getting news of cancer is never great, the prognosis was relatively good, since the early staging means the risk of spread is low. She told me that I would simply need to undergo a wider excision, and get regular skin checks from now on.

However when I went to meet the plastic surgeon who will carry out the excision, he told me that there is a conversation to be had about whether to have an SLN biopsy at the same time. He said that many people at my stage do not, but the ulceration is a soft indicator in the direction of the SLN biopsy. However, he was not telling me I should have it, just that I can if I want.

I appreciate that they are giving me the option, but in a sense this makes it harder. If I had hard facts about the relative risks of undergoing the SLN or not, I would make a rational decision, but he was not able to give me clear guidance on whether the SLN biopsy could actually make much difference in my circumstances. If I thought that by opting out of the SLN biopsy, I would be taking a meaningful risk with my life expectancy, I would of course undergo it - I am a father with 3 young children and every day is precious. But I am a keen athlete, with no particular desire to put myself under the knife, and risk complications, if it is in all likelihood a futile exercise.

I realise that only I can decide, but in the absence of any definitive advice from my own doctors, I would be grateful for the thoughts and experiences of others. Having read some of the other messages on here, I am also aware that many of you have far worse problems than my own dilemma, so please forgive me for troubling you with this.

Thanks all for your time

Greg

brainman · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 9:57 am Post subject: Re: Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Hi Greg. I am very sorry about your Melanoma but glad that they caught it while is was so small and low stage and grade. Although I have never needed a SLN biopsy, that procedure is very safe and easy. My personal choice would be to go on and have it. That way you can have greater peace of mind that it has not spread. It would be an easy decision for me. But, as you said, only you and your medical team can evaluate the risk vs benefits of the procedure.

I will be thinking about and praying for you as you try to decide what is best for you.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

Gregsy · New User Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Posts: 2 Location: London

Thank you very much - I appreciate your thoughts and advice.

I've thought about it some more, and read a few articles, and I am going to go ahead with it - a better safe than sorry approach. I'll let you know the outcome. I really appreciate your words.

All the best

Greg

janie · Regular Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 11 Location: UK

Hi greg, I am really sorry to hear your news, I have just had a lymph node groin dissection, following a positive SLN biopsy, two deposits of melanoma were found in the sentinal lymph node, and I was offered the groin dissection I did not hesitate, and opted for the surgery,( I am a nurse) and I have huge faith in my surgical team. I have also nursed people whom are fellow cancer sufferers and in my experience many survive longer and have a better prognosis when the surgical route is taken, but obviously all surgery has risks and it is a personal choice. However Melanoma is totally unpredictable and i will take any treatment that is offered to me as i am determined to fight this thing. My MRI scan showed no metasteses which is a HUGE relief and I am awaiting results of the latest surgery. I will keep you all informed. I am glad that you have decided to go down the surgical route, and I pray that your results will be negative. My thoughts are with you and your family and I wish you a speedy recovery,God bless. Janie

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Melanoma and Skin Cancer Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others