Dermatologist or cancer center??
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Dermatologist or cancer center??

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Dermatologist or cancer center??

  • Post
    • June 22, 2017 at 2:19 am
    Marymary
    Participant

      Hello…

      i had a .4mm melenoma removed in January. My treatment plan is to be checked by my derm every 3 months.

      i understand that I caught my melenoma early.. but can I really just "cut it out" and move on? 

      Should I be switching to a specialist now that I've had melenoma? I live close to Tampa.. should/ can I go to the cancer center there? 

      i just want to make sure I'm doing everything I need to be doing. I'm not a fan of being told "standard care" , I want to make sure I'm being my own advocate and doing everything possible.

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    • Replies
        • June 22, 2017 at 3:56 am
        TexMelanomex
        Participant

          Mary,

          I'll let some of the seasoned vets weigh in on this one…but two cents worth is that I would absolutely go to a melanoma specialist. I was given this option when diagnosed and the plan was for a local surgeon (not a cancer specialist) to perform the WLE and then to follow-up with a non specific oncology clinic. I took some time in thinking about this and then opted for care at MD Anderson. I am very happy with my decision and the expertise you will receive will be worth the price (or deductible, etc) in piece of mind knowing that experts are looking after you.

          Best,

          Tex

            • June 22, 2017 at 3:59 am
            TexMelanomex
            Participant

              Peace of mind! I need a better spell check program enlightened

            • June 22, 2017 at 4:06 am
            jennunicorn
            Participant

              If you live close enough to a cancer center with melanoma specialists, then it certainly doesn't hurt to have a skin cancer focused derm. If it's not convenient, it's not super neccessary at a low stage, but I would look for a derm that focuses more on skin cancer and other skin conditions as opposed to a derm that is more focused on botox and "vanity dermatology" as I call it.

                • June 22, 2017 at 7:33 pm
                Jamie1960
                Participant

                  +1 on Jenn's reply.

                  I feel fortunate in that I am still be able to (aggressively) "chase melanoma with a knife" and make it a point to see my dermatologist every 6 months and surgical oncologist at the same interval, so that I am seeing someone every three months. Since the surgeon is most focused on recurrence in / adjacent to surgical sites, I rely on my dermatologist to find new areas of concern which, reliably, she always does.

                  Be proactive, and note my use of the word "chase" – I feel like I can't quite get in front of it ("you don't know it's there until you know it's there"), but you can stay right on its heels and give it a good run.

                  Find the best eyes you can, and have them see you on a regular basis, remembering to perform your self checks on a regular basis.

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