Mel in Situ on Scalp
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Mel in Situ on Scalp

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Mel in Situ on Scalp

  • Post
    • January 15, 2014 at 10:10 pm
    Cfenton
    Participant

      I was diagnosed in late Dec. 2013 with mel in situ on my scalp. It is a lesion about 2 inches up from my hairline, right in the middle where I would part my hair in the middle if I parted my hair there.  This is the site of two previous removal/biopsies in 2006 and 2007 of an "atypical mole."  It came back within this last year just like the other times, fast and dark. It is on the scar and is technically two lesions.

      Now I am waiting until Jan. 31 for a consult with the skin cancer surgeon to discuss removal (excision or Mohs?).  While I am glad to talk to him first to discuss its history, location, etc.   I am, obviously, nervous that it could be up-staged… and nervous about the procedure itself in terms of healing, etc.  I am a sporting dog and horse photographer with an upcoming busy schedule and I really wanted it OVER by now!!

      My last fears involve (1) this is the third time it has come back (rare since the last time they said they had clear margins after a sizeable punch biopsy) and (2) it is on my scalp/head which has a poorer prognosis than other locations – even tho they say "in situ" is curable with removal.

      Any insight?

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    • Replies
        • January 16, 2014 at 1:03 am
        Janner
        Participant

          Do you know what type of melanoma you had?  Lentigo maligna has a much higher local recurrence rate than the other types.  In addition, it is much harder to read pathology through scar tissue.. So even your in situ might look worse than it is.  Can't help much with the location but in situ still has a good prognosis wherever it is located.  Hang in there and let us know how it goes.

          Now if I could only pick your photographer brains on photographing dogs, you'd make MY day.  🙂

          • January 16, 2014 at 1:03 am
          Janner
          Participant

            Do you know what type of melanoma you had?  Lentigo maligna has a much higher local recurrence rate than the other types.  In addition, it is much harder to read pathology through scar tissue.. So even your in situ might look worse than it is.  Can't help much with the location but in situ still has a good prognosis wherever it is located.  Hang in there and let us know how it goes.

            Now if I could only pick your photographer brains on photographing dogs, you'd make MY day.  🙂

            • January 16, 2014 at 1:03 am
            Janner
            Participant

              Do you know what type of melanoma you had?  Lentigo maligna has a much higher local recurrence rate than the other types.  In addition, it is much harder to read pathology through scar tissue.. So even your in situ might look worse than it is.  Can't help much with the location but in situ still has a good prognosis wherever it is located.  Hang in there and let us know how it goes.

              Now if I could only pick your photographer brains on photographing dogs, you'd make MY day.  🙂

                • January 22, 2014 at 2:18 pm
                Cfenton
                Participant

                  They did not stipulate what type of mel. So I will have to wait until I see the surgeon in a week-and-a-half.

                  I am probably more concerned about the surgery itself at this point!  On the bright side, if the incision is large enough and they pull it together I will get a free facelife in the process. 

                  Janner…. I am always happy to help friends with photography questions. Not sure you can PM me but you can probably find me on line. 🙂

                  • January 22, 2014 at 2:18 pm
                  Cfenton
                  Participant

                    They did not stipulate what type of mel. So I will have to wait until I see the surgeon in a week-and-a-half.

                    I am probably more concerned about the surgery itself at this point!  On the bright side, if the incision is large enough and they pull it together I will get a free facelife in the process. 

                    Janner…. I am always happy to help friends with photography questions. Not sure you can PM me but you can probably find me on line. 🙂

                    • January 22, 2014 at 2:18 pm
                    Cfenton
                    Participant

                      They did not stipulate what type of mel. So I will have to wait until I see the surgeon in a week-and-a-half.

                      I am probably more concerned about the surgery itself at this point!  On the bright side, if the incision is large enough and they pull it together I will get a free facelife in the process. 

                      Janner…. I am always happy to help friends with photography questions. Not sure you can PM me but you can probably find me on line. 🙂

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