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In search of surgical oncologist in Southwest Florida
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In search of surgical oncologist in Southwest Florida

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › In search of surgical oncologist in Southwest Florida

  • Post
    • December 16, 2017 at 1:31 pm
    Peggy Nielsen
    Participant

      A spot on my face came back as melanoma.  It’s next to my nose.  My dermatologist recommended I have it removed by a surgical oncologist (in Illinois).  Problem is you can’t get in to see someone until January and I’m scheduled to go to FL on 1/4/18.  I think I might want to have this taken care of in Florida because they want me to have a sentinel lymph biopsy done and I’m not sure what kind of follow up might be necessary.  Also, I’ve had other melanomas (and basals) but nothing that required further treatment.  To be honest, I am freaking out.  Any doc referrals or other advice?  Thank you in advance.

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    • Replies
        • December 16, 2017 at 4:09 pm
        Prd10
        Participant

          Hi Peggy,

          I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with this.  If you could post more information from your pathology report it would be helpful (depth, ulceration, mitosis, etc). I don't know where they do a sentinel node biopsy if found on the face but others will.  I can imagine you will also want a plastic surgeon in addition to a surgical oncologist.

          I know this isn't what you are asking but in the Chicago area I highly recommend- Dr. Steven Bines at Rush, Dr. Jeffrey Wayne at Northwestern and Dr. Kiran Turaga at University of Chicago.  I've had them all cut me open and I would have no hesitation using any of them again.  I'm partial to University of Chicago bc my medical oncologist, Dr. Jason Luke, is there – he's also great.

          With that said, my parents are in Naples and last year when my dad (early 70s, other medical issues) had a melanoma on his face I insisted that he either go to moffitt in Tampa or mayo in Jacksonville.  They had a good experience at mayo but were not happy with the inconvenience of it.

          Perhaps others will have a surgical oncologist they can recommend in Florida that is closer in proximity to Naples, but I guess I may recommend having it taken care of in Chicago depending on the details of your pathology report.  Sorry I know this isn't what you want to hear! 

          Take care,

          Caitlin

            • December 16, 2017 at 4:31 pm
            Peggy Nielsen
            Participant

              Thanks, Caitlin.  I don’t have the pathology report as yet . . . Just talked to the nurse practitioner yesterday afternoon.  They recommended Dr. Wayne but he’s on vacation and can’t get an appt. until Jan. 2.  I found a doc in Miami that sounds perfect.  Maybe I will try the other doctors you recommended in Chicago to see if they have an opening sooner.  I have a call in to the dermatologist to follow up.  I was not focusing very well when I talked to her yesterday. I want to get an idea of what I am up against time wise.  Initial consult, procedure, removal of stitches, need for plastic surgeon.  This could take a while.  I hate to be shallow but I don’t want to be stuck in Chicago for 6 weeks in the winter.  I do appreciate your input.  Are you dealing with melanoma as well?

              • December 16, 2017 at 5:12 pm
              Prd10
              Participant

                Oh I definitely understand not wanting to be stuck in Chicago for 6 weeks in the winter!!!  And I think you are right with your timeline of 6 weeks.  I have stage four melanoma, probably why I'm alarmist.

                Try to get that pathology report, it will be helpful to know the details.  I'm fairly certain the recommended Drs are only in clinic 2 days a week (usually mon-tues or tues-weds) and some only see new patients on certain days so Jan 2nd isn't too far off.  If nothing else, you can see Dr. Wayne and get his opinion and see the Dr. in Miami for another opinion.  More than one opinion isn't a bad idea depending on what you are dealing with.

                 

                 

              • December 16, 2017 at 9:54 pm
              SABKLYN
              Participant

                I don’t have a doctor to refer, but you might want to contact Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and get a referral from them.  Top notch melanoma center!

                 

                  • December 18, 2017 at 10:10 pm
                  Peggy Nielsen
                  Participant

                    Thank you for your input.  Moffitt has top notch ratings so I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for January 9th.

                  • December 22, 2017 at 10:21 am
                  jetdoctor67
                  Participant

                    I had melanoma on my left ear (1.5mm deep) and Dr. Lawrence Gottlieb at the University of Chicago did a great job removing it (WLE) and the SLNB.  I was told that anything on the head and neck you have to see a plastic surgeon.  

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