Melanoma: Lymph node assessment

Before doing a wide local excision the doctor will check your lymph nodes to see whether the melanoma has spread to them. If the melanoma is on your leg they’ll examine the lymph nodes behind your knee and in your groin. If it’s on your chest, back or abdomen, the lymph nodes in your groin, armpits, above the collar bones and in the neck will be checked. Sometimes these nodes can be swollen due to an infection, so it doesn’t necessarily mean the melanoma has spread. Further tests will determine if the lymph nodes are affected.