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New here, third time to have melanoma diagnosis
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New here, third time to have melanoma diagnosis

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › New here, third time to have melanoma diagnosis

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    • March 9, 2019 at 4:22 am
    Sarahprince22
    Participant

      Just got my pathology results yesterday. Confirmed melanoma and this is my 3rd time, three different spots. Doc thinks it’s “in situ” as the other two have been but of course we will know for sure after he removes it. QUESTION: should I ask for a lymph node biopsy just to be on the safe side, since these melanomas keep popping up on my body? I’ve been feeling unwell lately and I’m concerned that maybe my doctors have missed something. I’ve never had any nodes checked before. 

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        • March 11, 2019 at 12:22 pm
        Jamie1960
        Participant

          I'm in a similar position, with three WLEs, but only one SLNB (out of an abundace of care due to mitotic rate and regression, which made accurate assessment of depth difficult).

          I'd say, if in doubt, cut, particularly if there is any concern about accuracy of staging / depth due to regression or other factors.

            • March 11, 2019 at 3:23 pm
            Sarahprince22
            Participant

              Thank you so much for responding! 

              • March 11, 2019 at 9:13 pm
              Jamie1960
              Participant

                PS –

                On the SLNB, the only real difference (since WLE should be in an OR anyway) is general versus local anesthetic. If your doctor is willing, have it done and get the peace of mind you may be looking for.

                I have NO medical training whatsoever, but firmly believe that, once melanoma is in you, it is "in you" (some recent research suggests the possibility of dermal "migration" above and beyond genetic predisposition, etc.).

                To my mind, there is no "win", "beating it", etc., but, rather, success (call it "peaceful coexistence") by staying ahead of it through vigilance and aggressive treatment of anything which, reasonably, causes you concern.

                My team punch-biopsies anything they believe to be suspect.

                90% of the time, it's just a Band Aid with no follow through needed; this said, it makes me feel a lot better and you may as well. Once in a while, we cut, and I am grateful as I know you are too.

                • March 11, 2019 at 11:29 pm
                Sarahprince22
                Participant

                  You have no idea how much you’ve helped me. I am without health insurance right now, so the surgeon offered to do the procedure right in his office (to save me money). I’ve had this surgery twice before and I cannot imagine going thru it with no sedation at all. I agree it should be done in an OR.  Also, I’ve never, including this time, been made aware of what exactly my pathology report says. I’m learning from this forum that it’s important to educate ourselves and know what the details are on the labs! 

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