2nd Melanoma site
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

2nd Melanoma site

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › 2nd Melanoma site

  • Post
    • November 30, 2013 at 7:09 pm
    chuicat77
    Participant

      I was diagnosed with Melanoma on February 21, 2012, had wide excision surgery on March 6, 2012. My lesion was reddish pink, and discovered on my left breast during a breast exam. I have a genetic pre-disposition for cancer, as I have 3 1st degree relatives that have died of cancer. Due to the size and abnormality of it, I had major surgery and approximately 15% of my breast removed and reconstructed. My cancer was large across but not deep. It was classified as Melanoma in situ.

      Many biopsies and surgical procedures to remove atypical moles in the past 18 months. Biopsy was perfomed on a "black mole" small in size, yet abnormal looking came back as "pre-cancerous" on November 25th of this year…..research has brought up many different definitions of this and my Dermo says that nothing more needs to be done. X-rays were also done on my chest and a granuloma was found on my right lung, blood work was abnormal as far as liver function and urinary. My gut is telling me something more is going on and that a more aggressive approach needs to be taken. I have contacted my surgeon and asked for his opinion, but I would like others who are going, or have gone through this, to help me. 

      I have also had Basal Cell Carcinoma 3 times. I am thankful that I have an appointment with a geneticist on December 6 for an initial appointment. 

       

      Thank you for your help!!!

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • December 1, 2013 at 12:49 am
        Janner
        Participant

          I really don't understand what you are looking for.  You've had melanoma in situ which is basically cured after removal.  (Cure is not the best word with melanoma, but in situ is the diagnosis you want with melanoma).  So that lesion is taken care of.  And then you had another atypical mole removed.  That's not exactly uncommon.  Depending upon the degree of atypia, removal is all that is called for.  For lesions with severe atypia, 5mm margins like in situ is done.  For everything else, removal is considered curative.  However, watching the scar area for any pigment regrowth is warranted with all biopsies and if anything shows up, talk to your doctor.

          So I guess I'm missing what "aggressive" approach you would like to take.  It sounds like everything is being handled as expected.  There are no treatments a doctor can give you for a stage 0 lesion.  No clinical trials or adjuvant therapies are available for you except the surgery you already had.  Even being aggressive offers you nothing in this situation.  Blood work is not particularly telling for an early stage person and any problems are likely caused by something unrelated to melanoma (especially a stage 0 individual).  If your blood work is really out of whack, I'd talk to my PCP and get a retest.  Your melanoma doc isn't likely to think anything is related to melanoma, so maybe ruling out more general stuff and even getting a retake is the way to go.  Look for the most likely explanation first, and that's unlikely to be melanoma in your case.

          As for a genetic link with other cancers, it depends on which cancers you are discussing.  90% of melanomas are considered sporadic with no genetic (inherited gene) passed on.  Less than ten percent of people have more than one melanoma primary.  There are a few genes associated with melanoma and that would imply that you have a strong melanoma family history over multiple generations (or pancreatic cancer).  If you have three+ family members with melanoma, then you are obviously higher risk.  But if your family has other types of cancer, there is likely no relationship to melanoma.   (I have a genetic defect for melanoma).  But discussing your history with a geneticist can help you determine if there are any genetic gotchas to look out for.

          • December 1, 2013 at 12:49 am
          Janner
          Participant

            I really don't understand what you are looking for.  You've had melanoma in situ which is basically cured after removal.  (Cure is not the best word with melanoma, but in situ is the diagnosis you want with melanoma).  So that lesion is taken care of.  And then you had another atypical mole removed.  That's not exactly uncommon.  Depending upon the degree of atypia, removal is all that is called for.  For lesions with severe atypia, 5mm margins like in situ is done.  For everything else, removal is considered curative.  However, watching the scar area for any pigment regrowth is warranted with all biopsies and if anything shows up, talk to your doctor.

            So I guess I'm missing what "aggressive" approach you would like to take.  It sounds like everything is being handled as expected.  There are no treatments a doctor can give you for a stage 0 lesion.  No clinical trials or adjuvant therapies are available for you except the surgery you already had.  Even being aggressive offers you nothing in this situation.  Blood work is not particularly telling for an early stage person and any problems are likely caused by something unrelated to melanoma (especially a stage 0 individual).  If your blood work is really out of whack, I'd talk to my PCP and get a retest.  Your melanoma doc isn't likely to think anything is related to melanoma, so maybe ruling out more general stuff and even getting a retake is the way to go.  Look for the most likely explanation first, and that's unlikely to be melanoma in your case.

            As for a genetic link with other cancers, it depends on which cancers you are discussing.  90% of melanomas are considered sporadic with no genetic (inherited gene) passed on.  Less than ten percent of people have more than one melanoma primary.  There are a few genes associated with melanoma and that would imply that you have a strong melanoma family history over multiple generations (or pancreatic cancer).  If you have three+ family members with melanoma, then you are obviously higher risk.  But if your family has other types of cancer, there is likely no relationship to melanoma.   (I have a genetic defect for melanoma).  But discussing your history with a geneticist can help you determine if there are any genetic gotchas to look out for.

            • December 1, 2013 at 12:49 am
            Janner
            Participant

              I really don't understand what you are looking for.  You've had melanoma in situ which is basically cured after removal.  (Cure is not the best word with melanoma, but in situ is the diagnosis you want with melanoma).  So that lesion is taken care of.  And then you had another atypical mole removed.  That's not exactly uncommon.  Depending upon the degree of atypia, removal is all that is called for.  For lesions with severe atypia, 5mm margins like in situ is done.  For everything else, removal is considered curative.  However, watching the scar area for any pigment regrowth is warranted with all biopsies and if anything shows up, talk to your doctor.

              So I guess I'm missing what "aggressive" approach you would like to take.  It sounds like everything is being handled as expected.  There are no treatments a doctor can give you for a stage 0 lesion.  No clinical trials or adjuvant therapies are available for you except the surgery you already had.  Even being aggressive offers you nothing in this situation.  Blood work is not particularly telling for an early stage person and any problems are likely caused by something unrelated to melanoma (especially a stage 0 individual).  If your blood work is really out of whack, I'd talk to my PCP and get a retest.  Your melanoma doc isn't likely to think anything is related to melanoma, so maybe ruling out more general stuff and even getting a retake is the way to go.  Look for the most likely explanation first, and that's unlikely to be melanoma in your case.

              As for a genetic link with other cancers, it depends on which cancers you are discussing.  90% of melanomas are considered sporadic with no genetic (inherited gene) passed on.  Less than ten percent of people have more than one melanoma primary.  There are a few genes associated with melanoma and that would imply that you have a strong melanoma family history over multiple generations (or pancreatic cancer).  If you have three+ family members with melanoma, then you are obviously higher risk.  But if your family has other types of cancer, there is likely no relationship to melanoma.   (I have a genetic defect for melanoma).  But discussing your history with a geneticist can help you determine if there are any genetic gotchas to look out for.

                • December 1, 2013 at 1:33 am
                JC
                Participant

                  why is "cure" not a good word?  aren't most early lesions "cured" with excision?

                  • December 1, 2013 at 3:41 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Cure implies you are finished with melanoma and that can create a false sense of security.  Anyone with melanoma should continue to watch for other primaries and pay attention to anything new and different.  Yes, most early lesions are gone forever, but vigilance is still needed!

                    • December 1, 2013 at 3:41 am
                    Janner
                    Participant

                      Cure implies you are finished with melanoma and that can create a false sense of security.  Anyone with melanoma should continue to watch for other primaries and pay attention to anything new and different.  Yes, most early lesions are gone forever, but vigilance is still needed!

                      • December 1, 2013 at 3:41 am
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Cure implies you are finished with melanoma and that can create a false sense of security.  Anyone with melanoma should continue to watch for other primaries and pay attention to anything new and different.  Yes, most early lesions are gone forever, but vigilance is still needed!

                        • December 1, 2013 at 1:33 am
                        JC
                        Participant

                          why is "cure" not a good word?  aren't most early lesions "cured" with excision?

                          • December 1, 2013 at 1:33 am
                          JC
                          Participant

                            why is "cure" not a good word?  aren't most early lesions "cured" with excision?

                      Viewing 2 reply threads

                      Tagged: 

                      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                      About the MRF Patient Forum

                      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.