Melan-A and CD68 markers?
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Melan-A and CD68 markers?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Melan-A and CD68 markers?

  • Post
    • October 18, 2016 at 3:23 pm
    Surf Rower
    Participant

      I am Stage 1A and preparing for a larger re-excision on my upper arm (with general anesthesia) since the first one didn't get it all. I am seeing a surgical oncologist now for the second one. He mentioned he was going to have the slide reviewed from the first excision, because it might not really be necessary. Preparing to call him back to check on this, I want to know what to ask.  The path report said Melan-A and CD68 were used but in some light googling I found (old) articles saying those were not the best markers, as they also show up in benign nevi. (My dermatologist was "surprised" that his biopsy came back melanoma, as the lesion was a pink/red small bump.) What do you think, and what should I be asking the oncologist, later today when he might call back.  Thank you!

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 18, 2016 at 4:10 pm
        Hukill
        Participant

          My stage 2B melanoma which has turned into stage IV had none of the normal markings of melanoma. My dermatoligist thought it was squamos cell and was shocked it came back as melanoma.

          • October 18, 2016 at 4:10 pm
          Hukill
          Participant

            My stage 2B melanoma which has turned into stage IV had none of the normal markings of melanoma. My dermatoligist thought it was squamos cell and was shocked it came back as melanoma.

            • October 18, 2016 at 4:10 pm
            Hukill
            Participant

              My stage 2B melanoma which has turned into stage IV had none of the normal markings of melanoma. My dermatoligist thought it was squamos cell and was shocked it came back as melanoma.

                • October 18, 2016 at 4:37 pm
                SOLE
                Participant

                  And for what it's worth, my tumor looked exactly like a pyogenic granuloma so go take care of that WLE.

                  • October 18, 2016 at 4:37 pm
                  SOLE
                  Participant

                    And for what it's worth, my tumor looked exactly like a pyogenic granuloma so go take care of that WLE.

                    • October 18, 2016 at 4:37 pm
                    SOLE
                    Participant

                      And for what it's worth, my tumor looked exactly like a pyogenic granuloma so go take care of that WLE.

                    • October 18, 2016 at 5:47 pm
                    cancersnewnormal
                    Participant

                      My surgeon and doctor were also both surprised when my lab report came back as melanoma, as the original punch biopsy showed nothing. You're safest bet if anything is in question, would be to go back for that wide excision… and then follow up, follow up, follow up with skin checks. I think derms are finding out more and more that melanoma doesn't always just follow their ancient set of ABCD rules! If it looks new or different… take it off and test it. Amelonotic melanoma has no melanin and will be pink, red, or even skin tone. Very tricky.

                        • October 18, 2016 at 8:50 pm
                        Surf Rower
                        Participant

                          OK, thanks for the backup guys – I am going back for the WLE.  The doc called me back within 5 hours (yay doc) and we talked it all over. He doesn't take chances. I think he wants to see the slide because it had not been marked which edge had melanocytes. Possibly the excision could be smaller if they can tell which side.

                          • October 18, 2016 at 8:50 pm
                          Surf Rower
                          Participant

                            OK, thanks for the backup guys – I am going back for the WLE.  The doc called me back within 5 hours (yay doc) and we talked it all over. He doesn't take chances. I think he wants to see the slide because it had not been marked which edge had melanocytes. Possibly the excision could be smaller if they can tell which side.

                            • October 18, 2016 at 8:50 pm
                            Surf Rower
                            Participant

                              OK, thanks for the backup guys – I am going back for the WLE.  The doc called me back within 5 hours (yay doc) and we talked it all over. He doesn't take chances. I think he wants to see the slide because it had not been marked which edge had melanocytes. Possibly the excision could be smaller if they can tell which side.

                            • October 18, 2016 at 5:47 pm
                            cancersnewnormal
                            Participant

                              My surgeon and doctor were also both surprised when my lab report came back as melanoma, as the original punch biopsy showed nothing. You're safest bet if anything is in question, would be to go back for that wide excision… and then follow up, follow up, follow up with skin checks. I think derms are finding out more and more that melanoma doesn't always just follow their ancient set of ABCD rules! If it looks new or different… take it off and test it. Amelonotic melanoma has no melanin and will be pink, red, or even skin tone. Very tricky.

                              • October 18, 2016 at 5:47 pm
                              cancersnewnormal
                              Participant

                                My surgeon and doctor were also both surprised when my lab report came back as melanoma, as the original punch biopsy showed nothing. You're safest bet if anything is in question, would be to go back for that wide excision… and then follow up, follow up, follow up with skin checks. I think derms are finding out more and more that melanoma doesn't always just follow their ancient set of ABCD rules! If it looks new or different… take it off and test it. Amelonotic melanoma has no melanin and will be pink, red, or even skin tone. Very tricky.

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