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Melanoma excised from central chest, Breslow thickness 2.9 mm, pT3b
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Melanoma excised from central chest, Breslow thickness 2.9 mm, pT3b

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Melanoma excised from central chest, Breslow thickness 2.9 mm, pT3b

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    • June 5, 2022 at 3:32 am
    Fernackapan
    Participant
      I received the above diagnosis recently and have an appointment to see a Plastic Surgeon this Thursday. Can anyone explain to me what to expect and what pT means? I understand that 3b is the stage? Also, how long I will probably have to wait for the next procedure, which I believe will be a wle, and Lymph Node Assessment. I am getting concerned because I have read that the melanoma can spread quickly, and I have already waited a month for the upcoming appointment. I live in Hampshire, UK.
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        • June 5, 2022 at 8:30 am
        Bubbles
        Participant
          Hi Fern,

          Sorry you are facing this diagnosis. PT – simply stand for “primary tumor”. In fact, in this instance as you have not yet had a sentinel node biopsy, “pt3b” simply means – a “Primary tumor of 2-4 mm with ulceration”. You can look on your pathology report to see if ulceration is mentioned. Generally, a melanoma patient is not STAGE 3 until it has been determined that there are traces or outright melanoma cells in reginal nodes. Still, you are correct that your next steps will be a wide local excision to ensure clear margins around the tumor and sentinel node biopsy to determine if there has been spread to nodes. Yes, melanoma can spread quickly compared to other cancers, but I imagine that if you are getting this done within a couple months you are okay.

          Here is a link to a site that does a really good job breaking down staging in melanoma: AIM at melanoma – stages of melanoma

          Hope this helps. Ask more questions as you have the need. There are many smart caring peeps on this board. Hopefully there will be no further spread, but there are now effective treatments for melanoma should you have the need!!! Hang in there. celeste

            • June 5, 2022 at 10:42 am
            Fernackapan
            Participant
              Hi Bubbles,

              Thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply and the information you have provided has clarified things in my mind which is very helpful indeed.

              Kind regards.

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