Cooper

I was 3A too and told this treatment is really only a good idea if you are very risky, deep melanoma high mitotic rate etc.  Get closely checked and you hopefully will be fine as I am now a year later.

Here is another article you might want to check out by a doctor from Mayo clinic.  https://melanomainternational.org/2018/12/newly-approved-therapies-stage-iii-melanoma/#.XK8wJjBKiM8

SNLB only shows the cells that the lymph nodes caught.  But the melanoma can go directly to the blood stream and then the SLNB would be negative.

The waiting is so hard!  Did the radiologist give you any clues to the type of mass? Sounds more like a breast issue than melanoma.  You can find more about others with this at: http://www.melanomaforum.org.  It is a very supportive place.

So yes KB  the mitotic rate of 8 does mean to pay close attention to whether a SLNB should be done.  How deep was your melanoma?  Put these two factors together to figure out your risk and what to do.

Ed in the article you quote it finalizes the mitotic opinion with: Mitotic rate remains a major determinant of prognosis across tumor thickness categories and should be documented in all primary invasive melanomas.

Yes despite being dropped it is still something dermatopathologists use as a tool.  It determines the rate of cell division.  So a low depth but high mitotic would mean a higher risk for recur.

https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Citation/2018/04000/Commentary_on_Impact_of_National_Comprehensive.4.aspx    Mitotic rate is important to decide whether a SLNB is done or not.  

Not true Ed.  Mitotic rate is still a widely used item on the pathology report to decide whether the patient needs more careful attention. It is the rate at which the cells are dividing.  But always the Breslow depth is first in the pathology to consider for further scrutiny.

Here are some great answers to your questions about the biopsy:  https://melanomainternational.org/melanoma-facts/biopsy-the-first-step/#.W1dka9VKiM8

Hope it helps.  A plastic surgeon is a good idea for places that cosmetically sensitive

Absolutely and steroids don't inhibit the immunotherapy action as once thought.  I saw that on http://www.melanomaforum.org

You should check out the stage IV forum at http://www.melanomaforum.org and the doctor's column on the site, you will get good advice that is scientifically proven.

Hi,  Ed is right that a biopsy is the best way to find out, but NOT a punch biopsy, they don't get proper margins.  Either a deep shave or excisional biopsy is best.  Read more here: https://melanomainternational.org/melanoma-facts/biopsy-the-first-step

Good luck to you!