Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Although surgical removal is the treatment for Malignant Melanoma, in some cases it can reappear on or under the skin. If this happens it is usually within the first 2 years but it can occasionally be years later. We recommend you check your scar site and skin at least monthly. This page tells you how to look for skin changes in the treated area and also other areas where melanoma can develop.
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1. Examine your face, especially the nose, lips, mouth, and ears – front and back. Use one or both mirrors to get a clear view |
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2. Thoroughly inspect your scalp, using a blow dryer and mirror to expose each section to view. Get a friend or family member to help if you can. |
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3. Check your hands carefully; palms and backs, between the fingers, and under fingernails. Continue up the wrists to examine both the front and backs of your forearm |
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4. Standing in front of a full length mirror, begin at the elbows and scan all sides of your upper arms. Don’t forget the underarms. |
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5. Next focus on the neck, chest, and torso. Women should lift breasts to view the underside. |
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6. With your back to the full length mirror, use a handheld mirror to inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back, and the back of your arms that you could not view in step five. |
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7. Still using both mirrors, scan your lower back, buttocks, and the backs of both legs. |
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8. Sit down; prop each leg in turn on another stool or chair. Use the handheld mirror to examine the genitals and mucosal area. Check the front and sides of both legs, thigh to shin; ankles, tops of feet, between toes and under toenails. Examine soles of feet and heels. |
Although a full skin check will always be done by your doctor or nurse at your follow up appointments, it is often the patient who may notice a change. Don’t wait if you think there may be a problem, we will always see you before your next routine appointment.
Contact your Keyworkers:
Contact the Skin Cancer Nurse Specialists via the
Macmillan Cancer Navigator Team
Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30-16.00
Tel: 0300 613 3535
Fhft.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cancer care service.
About this information
Service:
Cancer care
Reference:
HH/021
Approval date:
1 December 2025
Review date:
1 December 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.