Can melanoma recurrence present like a nodule/bump under the skin
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Can melanoma recurrence present like a nodule/bump under the skin

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Can melanoma recurrence present like a nodule/bump under the skin

  • Post
    • July 4, 2016 at 2:59 am
    CHD
    Participant

      So I am 3 years out from my original stage 1-2 diagnosis with surgery and negative lymph nodes and there is now a slightly tender round lump near my incision site, about 1/2 inch to the right and just under the skin.  I can feel it as a round bump, about half the size of a marble, a little painful to press on.  Can melanoma present UNDER the skin surface?  With no pigment?  Just a lump?  My original was superficial spreading on the surface, the multicolored flat type of melanoma.  Just got to wondering if the tender painful lump I've been feeling the past month or so might actually be melanoma, but a different type? 

      If it is melanoma, and if I bring it up at my next skin check, how do they check to see if it's melanoma?  Does it have to be biopsied?  Ultrasound or CT?

      Any and all insights appreciated.

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 4, 2016 at 3:38 am
        Andrew1725
        Participant

          To answer your main question, yes melanoma can present under the skin. Subcutaneous lumps or bumps right near a melanoma excision site are a common form of local recurrence. There are other things this could be, many of which are harmless, but the location makes it at least suspicious and worth checking into given your melanoma history. 

          Not sure when your next skin check is scheduled for, but I would get this looked at sooner rather than later. Based on your description, if your doctor thinks this lump is suspicious for melanoma, they will probably do a biopsy to completely remove the lump to see what it is. And if turns out to be something harmless, you will have eased your worry. 

          • July 4, 2016 at 3:38 am
          Andrew1725
          Participant

            To answer your main question, yes melanoma can present under the skin. Subcutaneous lumps or bumps right near a melanoma excision site are a common form of local recurrence. There are other things this could be, many of which are harmless, but the location makes it at least suspicious and worth checking into given your melanoma history. 

            Not sure when your next skin check is scheduled for, but I would get this looked at sooner rather than later. Based on your description, if your doctor thinks this lump is suspicious for melanoma, they will probably do a biopsy to completely remove the lump to see what it is. And if turns out to be something harmless, you will have eased your worry. 

              • July 4, 2016 at 1:20 pm
              Maureen038
              Participant

                I agree with Andrew to get it checked as soon as you can. It could be nothing, but if it is something, it's better to deal with it quickly. My husband, Bill had a hard pea size lump on his arm after having lung mets. Unfortunately it turned out to be melanoma, but NIH used it for TIL treatment. I truly hope it's nothing!!

                Maureen

                • July 4, 2016 at 1:20 pm
                Maureen038
                Participant

                  I agree with Andrew to get it checked as soon as you can. It could be nothing, but if it is something, it's better to deal with it quickly. My husband, Bill had a hard pea size lump on his arm after having lung mets. Unfortunately it turned out to be melanoma, but NIH used it for TIL treatment. I truly hope it's nothing!!

                  Maureen

                  • July 4, 2016 at 1:20 pm
                  Maureen038
                  Participant

                    I agree with Andrew to get it checked as soon as you can. It could be nothing, but if it is something, it's better to deal with it quickly. My husband, Bill had a hard pea size lump on his arm after having lung mets. Unfortunately it turned out to be melanoma, but NIH used it for TIL treatment. I truly hope it's nothing!!

                    Maureen

                  • July 4, 2016 at 3:38 am
                  Andrew1725
                  Participant

                    To answer your main question, yes melanoma can present under the skin. Subcutaneous lumps or bumps right near a melanoma excision site are a common form of local recurrence. There are other things this could be, many of which are harmless, but the location makes it at least suspicious and worth checking into given your melanoma history. 

                    Not sure when your next skin check is scheduled for, but I would get this looked at sooner rather than later. Based on your description, if your doctor thinks this lump is suspicious for melanoma, they will probably do a biopsy to completely remove the lump to see what it is. And if turns out to be something harmless, you will have eased your worry. 

                    • July 5, 2016 at 6:41 pm
                    jvictoria
                    Participant

                      I just had a node removed, which was very similar to what you are describing, that presented itself near the original site of my SNB. I had it removed and It came back positive.

                      Good luck

                      • July 5, 2016 at 6:41 pm
                      jvictoria
                      Participant

                        I just had a node removed, which was very similar to what you are describing, that presented itself near the original site of my SNB. I had it removed and It came back positive.

                        Good luck

                        • July 5, 2016 at 6:41 pm
                        jvictoria
                        Participant

                          I just had a node removed, which was very similar to what you are describing, that presented itself near the original site of my SNB. I had it removed and It came back positive.

                          Good luck

                          • July 6, 2016 at 8:36 pm
                          Bradley75
                          Participant

                            What you are describing is exactly how my melanoma came back.  I would get it checked out soon as well.  In my case, the bump was a lymph node that measured 1.7cm.  It contained melanoma inside and in the tissue surrounding it.  They removed mine two days after I went in to have it checked.  Not sure what they would do for you, but I would definitely let them know what you have discovered.

                            Best of luck and I am praying it isn't melanoma.

                            • July 6, 2016 at 8:36 pm
                            Bradley75
                            Participant

                              What you are describing is exactly how my melanoma came back.  I would get it checked out soon as well.  In my case, the bump was a lymph node that measured 1.7cm.  It contained melanoma inside and in the tissue surrounding it.  They removed mine two days after I went in to have it checked.  Not sure what they would do for you, but I would definitely let them know what you have discovered.

                              Best of luck and I am praying it isn't melanoma.

                              • July 6, 2016 at 8:36 pm
                              Bradley75
                              Participant

                                What you are describing is exactly how my melanoma came back.  I would get it checked out soon as well.  In my case, the bump was a lymph node that measured 1.7cm.  It contained melanoma inside and in the tissue surrounding it.  They removed mine two days after I went in to have it checked.  Not sure what they would do for you, but I would definitely let them know what you have discovered.

                                Best of luck and I am praying it isn't melanoma.

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