Nodular Melanoma in 2015, now a new mole…
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Nodular Melanoma in 2015, now a new mole…

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Nodular Melanoma in 2015, now a new mole…

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    • December 22, 2017 at 2:55 pm
    Totally Blessed
    Participant

      My husband is considered stage 1a today, no lymph node  involvement when diagnosed with nodular Melanoma back in 2015. Just recently we noticed a new mole, in the same general area of the previous melanoma (shoulder). We've also just recently moved and are now in the process of getting new doctors. His new primary noticed the mole too and said it needed to be checked further by a dermatologist due to its asymmetrical look and that it's quite dark in places  – apt all set. My question is this, is there a chance this could be melanoma from the original Melanoma even though lymph nodes were and not involved previously? What are the chances this could be melanoma? My head is spinning! He's been keeping up with  his dermatologist apts, every 4 months. This is a very new mole. 

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        • December 22, 2017 at 3:26 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          There is another option – it could be a new primary melanoma.  It could be a new melanoma unrelated to the other one.  While most melanoma warriors only have one primary site, about 10% have more than one primary.  I've had 3.  They are not recurrences, they are unique instances of melanoma.  As far as staging, you are the stage of your worst primary.  I've had an in situ, stage 1a and stage 1b melanoma so am considered stage 1b.  My first primary was in 1992 and last in 2001 and I haven't progressed beyond that. 

          So, yes – get it biopsied.  But even if it is melanoma, it doesn't have to be worst case scenario.

            • December 22, 2017 at 3:33 pm
            Totally Blessed
            Participant

              That's what's confusing me I guess – can this mole be related to the previous cancer that didn't involve lymph nodes, so a new primary would make sense to me. He also has two other very tiny spots (also very dark) that are new and on on his chest. It just seems that all of a sudden these moles are popping up. That's how we noticed his mole that turned out to be melanoma – one day it was just 'there'. I usually don't borrow trouble, but I can't help notice the similarities here. 

              • December 22, 2017 at 3:40 pm
              Totally Blessed
              Participant

                Janner – you've had three primaries, was your first primary stage 1b? – and you've been able to find the other two before they progressed?

                • December 22, 2017 at 3:54 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  Actually my 3rd was the deepest, .88mm.  It was on my body at the same time as #2 but not easily seen by me.  It wasn't that concerning until I realized I could make more than one.  After #2, I got wiser and knew it needed to come off.  So mine were stage 1a, in situ, stage 1b.  But again, no progression on any of them and I started this journey in 1992.

                  • December 22, 2017 at 6:32 pm
                  Totally Blessed
                  Participant

                    Thank you Janner. I'm starting to think that no matter what, we're very vigilant with his check ups, anything found in between these checks ups is a far better situation than finding something after you've had it for a lot longer. I'm happy to know you're doing well. 

                    • December 27, 2017 at 11:01 am
                    stars
                    Participant

                      I second this, there's a small chance it's a new primary, or just as likely (perhaps more likely) it's a dysplastic nevi and nothing else (nothing much to worry about). All he can do is have it biopsied, which is kind of the cross we melanoma patients have to bear – lots of biopsies.

                      • December 27, 2017 at 10:21 pm
                      ed williams
                      Participant

                        If you want to give advice lose the Anon handle please!!!

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