@vickiegoins: So to be sure I understand correctly, it's not so much your age that's worrying you, it's the extent and complexity of the surgery and perhaps the cosmetic results that are concerning you, is that it?

As to your question again about alternative treatment, I just need to be sure you understand that this is first and foremost a forum where you can meet others with similar health issues, however, it is not a place to get professional medical advice. We can learn a lot from participants who share their experiences and exchange information with others. We as mentors often post research and documentation from Mayo and other reputable sources to support medical topics, such as the one I referenced earlier that explained how and why malignant melanoma is treated by excision. As a patient myself who went on to have metastatic melanoma, I have been actively involved in organizations dedicated to the treatment of this condition, such as AIM at Melanoma Foundation https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/stages-of-melanoma/stage-i/. To my knowledge, there is no other alternative at this time for initial intervention. (And, I have to add, my immunotherapy for that condition has been successful to date in the two years since it was discovered). However, I need to underscore that I am not a medical provider or an expert in the field.

It's understandable you have concerns. Keeping in mind that time may play a role in not delaying interention too long, have you considered getting a second opinion?