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nodular melanoma (on my ear)
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nodular melanoma (on my ear)

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › nodular melanoma (on my ear)

  • Post
    • September 30, 2017 at 11:27 pm
    jetdoctor67
    Participant

      Hello,

      Well my story is I was recently diagnosed with nodular melanoma (on my ear). My dermatologist removed most of the tumor with a shave biopsy on my left ear and was told the tumor was .04mm in size and .65mm deep undetermined (meaning the biopsy did not get the root of the melanoma so not sure how deep it is) and my clark stage is 1B.
      My dermatologist referred me to the University of Chicago to have a melanoma specialist provide additional treatment (I'm told any tumor above the shoulders you have to see a plastic surgeon). Well the initial appointment was Sept 26th with the surgeon and he wants to remove the rest of the tumor and do a SLNB. My surgery is scheduled for October 25th.
      He told me not to worry, but I feel like he tells everyone that. My wife also tells me not to worry but to be honest I'm shaking in my boots . A month ago I knew very little about melanoma and after much research and reading message boards this disease or "Beast" as it is referred to is nothing to take lightly.

      If anyone is willing to share their story…I'd much appreciate it!!!

      Thank you,

      Terry

       

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 1, 2017 at 12:24 am
        Johnjk04
        Participant

          Hello Terry,

          I am sad to hear that you have entered the melanoma world. My story : modular melanoma on my chest,

          (4.01mm). Started my journey at a community hospital but just didn't fell like it was the best place. Transferred to Yale-New Haven and what a great choice that was. The melanoma spread to my brain, lungs, liver, gall bladder and adrenal gland. Many surgeries, 3 Cyber Knife radiations and the very first Yervoy/Opdivo clinical trial were all part of my world. Thankful the treatments worked and I am 5 years NED right now.  My advice, find the best melanoma treatment center and if it's not working with your medical staff, feel free to replace them. Lots of great minds on this board, throw any questions you like at me and stay well.

            • October 1, 2017 at 11:50 pm
            Joycem
            Participant

              Hi Terry

              Sorry for what's landed you here but welcome. My nodular Mel was 8+mm, mitotic rate of 10 and to the surprise of my doctors my SNB came back clear! They are watching closely and I am 1 year from diagnosis. Trying to use this as motivation to eat healthy, excercise, & reduce stress to help my immune system stay healthy as advised by the integrative oncologist I saw after declining interferon. 

              You have some long weeks of uncertainty ahead, I wish you the very best. You don't know until you know, so try not to do too much reading on here, or even worse at other sites which tend to have outdated and discouraging information. 

              I found recovery from WLE & SNB easier and less painful than I expected. 

              Wishing the best possible outcomes and peace in the waiting times. I stayed busy with things I enjoy during the wait time, splurged on some great concerts and theater, took a lot of hikes. 

              Blessings, 

              joyce

              • October 12, 2017 at 9:52 am
              jetdoctor67
              Participant

                Where was your nodular located?  Glad to hear your SNB was negative.  

                • October 12, 2017 at 9:54 am
                jetdoctor67
                Participant

                  Congrats on 5 years NED.  How long did you wait before going to the Dermatologist?  I waited 4 months thinking thinking the spot would heal.  I wish now I went earlier.

                • October 6, 2017 at 3:38 pm
                MovingOn
                Participant

                  Also ask about an MRI of the head/neck. That is how they found Mel in my parotid. From the ear it can go backwards (lymph nodes directly behind the ear), down (cervicle lymph nodes in the neck – they might refer to it as area5), or in front of the ear is the parotid gland. Sorry to be so blunt but just trying to provide info. Welcome to the community (sorry you were brought in but now that you’re here just ask any questions which come to mind).

                  Danny

                  • October 12, 2017 at 4:57 am
                  jetdoctor67
                  Participant

                    Thank you all for the comments. 

                    Pathology report:
                    Histologic Type: Nodular in these sections
                    Maximum tumor thickness: Greater than 0.6 mm
                    Anatomic Level:  At least IV
                    Peripheral margins: Involved in the dermis
                    Deep margin: Broadly involved
                    Mitotic rate; 2/mm2
                    Tumor regression: Not Present
                    Microsatellitosis:  Not Present
                    Lymph-Vascular Invasion:  Not Present
                    Perineural Invasion: Not Identified
                    Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes: Focally present, brisk
                    Growth Phase: Vertical
                    Lymph Nodes:  NA
                    Distant Metastases: Unknown
                    Nevus Remnant: Not Present
                    Tumor Size: Clinical dimension not stated
                    Pathologic Stage of Primary Tumor: At least pT1b (partial biopsy)

                    Anything stick out?

                      • October 12, 2017 at 9:51 am
                      jetdoctor67
                      Participant

                        Forgot one.

                        Ulceration:  Not present.

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