Hi, I'm 20 and have had melanoma. I had it taken off at 19 but I first noticed it at the age of 16. I've recently had a PET scan to see if it has spread.
First of it depends on where your melanoma is. Mine was located in my eyebrow and I lost some of it. To minimize the large amount of scarring, etc. they done what is called Mohs Surgery. They take away a little bit of skin then test it each time to make sure they get it all. This is so that they can save as much healthy skin as possible so they won't disfigure you bad. But it probably depends on where your melanoma is, I doubt they would do the Mohs and say if it's on your back, they would proably do a larger excision. If it is extremely large they may do a skin graft.
It's important to get another opinion from another doctor. Make sure you are directed if possible to an oncologist, because I never was until about a year later. I have read online it is standard procedure to have your lymph nodes checked for cancer if it has penetrated your skin depth to 1mm or greater. The nodes are usually in the neck, armpit and groin but other places too. As I understand they can only check them though surgery probably through SNL- Sentinal Node Biopsy. The nodes are usually checked if needed the nearest of the site. This unfortunately was never done for me and mine was 1.5mm.
Try to get the pathology report from your doctor or ask them for the your Breslow depth- the amount of how much it has penetrated your skin usually shown in (mm). The Clark's level is another measurment but it's said to be not as good as the Breslow. I was told that if it's ulcerated it's worse than if it isn't. I had a shave biospy and this isn't suppose to be done becasue it can sometimes not read the Breslow amount accurately.
Depending on how severe it is you might have other tests. I have a liver function tests (like having blood drawn), Chest x-rays and recently a PET scan. This is to check if it has spread to other places.
Make sure you get regular check-ups and do a self-check for melanoma yourself regularly. Hang in there, I know a lot is running through your mind.
Hang in there, I hope this helps some.