› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Should I see a Derm or stay with my GP?
- This topic has 24 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 2 months ago by
Kare83.
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- February 16, 2016 at 11:16 pm
A few months back I had a Stage 1 or Stage 2 Melanoma removed from my back. Melanoma has been found in 2 other immediate family members, one being fatal.
I say Stage 1 or Stage 2 as My GP (specialises in skin cancers and former worker at Molescan) told me it was Stage 2 – though I think he meant to say Clark Level II (which is what my pathology report said)..
After talking to some here I was told it was probably Stage 1. And of course, being confused about it I am not sure if I should be worried about being told Stage 2 or not by the GP? When it probably wasn't stage 2?
I was also told that the fact that he asked me to keep an eye on the mole 4 months prior to me returning and asking him to take it off isn't very good – He said it didn't look dangerous at the time, though to keep an eye on it as it has some characteristics.. I went back 4 months later as half of the mole turned black. Even then he said he wasn't sure it was cancerous, though would take it off to give me peace of mind.
I am meant to be on 3-monthly checks now and my GP said he will check glands under my arms and neck at each check up too.
I am currently not working though and wondering if I would be better seeing a dermatologist? Are they expensive? Is there any kind of medicare or treatment plan I could get from a doctor to make appointments cheaper, if it is expensive?
I want to trust my GP though hearing others here in the past saying they were told moles were fine and getting 2nd opinions.. I'm not sure if I should just keep seeing this GP or see someone else?
I am located in Brisbane.
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- February 17, 2016 at 12:01 am
I would definitely get a dermatolgists opinion. If you could find a melanoma specialist in your area that would be even better. Depending on your insurance will depend on the cost of the visit. Most insurance covers specialist visits to a certain extent. In my experience, things only tend to get expensive when it comes to tests, biopsies, prescriptions, etc. So, a basic visit for a skin check and second opinion with a derm shouldn't be too bad.
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- February 17, 2016 at 12:01 am
I would definitely get a dermatolgists opinion. If you could find a melanoma specialist in your area that would be even better. Depending on your insurance will depend on the cost of the visit. Most insurance covers specialist visits to a certain extent. In my experience, things only tend to get expensive when it comes to tests, biopsies, prescriptions, etc. So, a basic visit for a skin check and second opinion with a derm shouldn't be too bad.
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- February 17, 2016 at 12:01 am
I would definitely get a dermatolgists opinion. If you could find a melanoma specialist in your area that would be even better. Depending on your insurance will depend on the cost of the visit. Most insurance covers specialist visits to a certain extent. In my experience, things only tend to get expensive when it comes to tests, biopsies, prescriptions, etc. So, a basic visit for a skin check and second opinion with a derm shouldn't be too bad.
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- February 17, 2016 at 1:59 am
If your pathology report said Clark's Level II, it's extremely unlikely you are stage II. If you post the text, we could help you determine for certain.
Here's my take. I've had 3 primaries. I'm at high risk for more given a genetic defect. Immediate family members with melanoma may or may not indicate some type of genetic defect. Usually genetic defects would be seen in every generation. But even without some type of genetic defect, melanoma can run in families based on similar skin/hair/eye characteristics and sun exposure habits.
So, regardless of your family history, the key is YOU. You need to be your own advocate. If you tell your GP that a lesion has changed, would he remove it? If you insisted? A GP is more likely to be cheaper than a specialist. It never hurts to have someone who specializes, but if that is cost prohibitive at the moment, go with what you have.
I have found all my three primaries. I do NOT depend on my melanoma specialist derm to find melanoma, I expect to tell him if I have a suspicious mole that is changing. So, if you have good baseline photos of all your atypical moles and basic pics of your skin to help monitor new moles — you are good to go. YOU have to be responsible looking out for yourself. Monitoring moles and looking for change. If something changes, then as long as your GP will biopsy it, you are good to go. We all like to have the big specialists and second opinions, but sometimes that isn't practical. So if you can't afford a specialist, then be proactive and be your own best advocate and watch your moles for change and make the GP work WITH you!!!
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- February 17, 2016 at 1:59 am
If your pathology report said Clark's Level II, it's extremely unlikely you are stage II. If you post the text, we could help you determine for certain.
Here's my take. I've had 3 primaries. I'm at high risk for more given a genetic defect. Immediate family members with melanoma may or may not indicate some type of genetic defect. Usually genetic defects would be seen in every generation. But even without some type of genetic defect, melanoma can run in families based on similar skin/hair/eye characteristics and sun exposure habits.
So, regardless of your family history, the key is YOU. You need to be your own advocate. If you tell your GP that a lesion has changed, would he remove it? If you insisted? A GP is more likely to be cheaper than a specialist. It never hurts to have someone who specializes, but if that is cost prohibitive at the moment, go with what you have.
I have found all my three primaries. I do NOT depend on my melanoma specialist derm to find melanoma, I expect to tell him if I have a suspicious mole that is changing. So, if you have good baseline photos of all your atypical moles and basic pics of your skin to help monitor new moles — you are good to go. YOU have to be responsible looking out for yourself. Monitoring moles and looking for change. If something changes, then as long as your GP will biopsy it, you are good to go. We all like to have the big specialists and second opinions, but sometimes that isn't practical. So if you can't afford a specialist, then be proactive and be your own best advocate and watch your moles for change and make the GP work WITH you!!!
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- February 19, 2016 at 12:12 am
Thanks! He is a good doctor, though I just feel nervous that he always wants to leave things until they get worse or until they change more. I don't care about scars – He has a thing about not wanting to scar people by removing what isn't necessary… I just want all of the 'suspects' removed. I feel, if it is bad enough for him to say "I don't like the looks of that one but we will just sit and wait and watch it some more" – not in those words, but close enough!
I have booked in to the Skin Cancer Clinic for next week (a different clinic to where I was going).. They will take photos of all of my moles to help monitor them and they do biopsies and remove moles if necessary. They are GP's, though specialize in skin cancers and only work in the skin cancer clinic – So I feel a little better knowing they only concentrate on this area, rather than all areas of health like a normal GP would. They also use several different microscopes and equipment apparently. Not sure if fancy equipment will help much but hopefully it makes a difference!!
I already have a mole that has started changing colours (very similar to the melanoma I had removed last year) on the base of my neck, to the side. It is darker than most of my moles and has darker patches in parts.
I am going to ask for a biopsy so I can come home with peace of mind!
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- February 19, 2016 at 12:12 am
Thanks! He is a good doctor, though I just feel nervous that he always wants to leave things until they get worse or until they change more. I don't care about scars – He has a thing about not wanting to scar people by removing what isn't necessary… I just want all of the 'suspects' removed. I feel, if it is bad enough for him to say "I don't like the looks of that one but we will just sit and wait and watch it some more" – not in those words, but close enough!
I have booked in to the Skin Cancer Clinic for next week (a different clinic to where I was going).. They will take photos of all of my moles to help monitor them and they do biopsies and remove moles if necessary. They are GP's, though specialize in skin cancers and only work in the skin cancer clinic – So I feel a little better knowing they only concentrate on this area, rather than all areas of health like a normal GP would. They also use several different microscopes and equipment apparently. Not sure if fancy equipment will help much but hopefully it makes a difference!!
I already have a mole that has started changing colours (very similar to the melanoma I had removed last year) on the base of my neck, to the side. It is darker than most of my moles and has darker patches in parts.
I am going to ask for a biopsy so I can come home with peace of mind!
-
- February 19, 2016 at 12:12 am
Thanks! He is a good doctor, though I just feel nervous that he always wants to leave things until they get worse or until they change more. I don't care about scars – He has a thing about not wanting to scar people by removing what isn't necessary… I just want all of the 'suspects' removed. I feel, if it is bad enough for him to say "I don't like the looks of that one but we will just sit and wait and watch it some more" – not in those words, but close enough!
I have booked in to the Skin Cancer Clinic for next week (a different clinic to where I was going).. They will take photos of all of my moles to help monitor them and they do biopsies and remove moles if necessary. They are GP's, though specialize in skin cancers and only work in the skin cancer clinic – So I feel a little better knowing they only concentrate on this area, rather than all areas of health like a normal GP would. They also use several different microscopes and equipment apparently. Not sure if fancy equipment will help much but hopefully it makes a difference!!
I already have a mole that has started changing colours (very similar to the melanoma I had removed last year) on the base of my neck, to the side. It is darker than most of my moles and has darker patches in parts.
I am going to ask for a biopsy so I can come home with peace of mind!
-
- February 17, 2016 at 1:59 am
If your pathology report said Clark's Level II, it's extremely unlikely you are stage II. If you post the text, we could help you determine for certain.
Here's my take. I've had 3 primaries. I'm at high risk for more given a genetic defect. Immediate family members with melanoma may or may not indicate some type of genetic defect. Usually genetic defects would be seen in every generation. But even without some type of genetic defect, melanoma can run in families based on similar skin/hair/eye characteristics and sun exposure habits.
So, regardless of your family history, the key is YOU. You need to be your own advocate. If you tell your GP that a lesion has changed, would he remove it? If you insisted? A GP is more likely to be cheaper than a specialist. It never hurts to have someone who specializes, but if that is cost prohibitive at the moment, go with what you have.
I have found all my three primaries. I do NOT depend on my melanoma specialist derm to find melanoma, I expect to tell him if I have a suspicious mole that is changing. So, if you have good baseline photos of all your atypical moles and basic pics of your skin to help monitor new moles — you are good to go. YOU have to be responsible looking out for yourself. Monitoring moles and looking for change. If something changes, then as long as your GP will biopsy it, you are good to go. We all like to have the big specialists and second opinions, but sometimes that isn't practical. So if you can't afford a specialist, then be proactive and be your own best advocate and watch your moles for change and make the GP work WITH you!!!
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- February 17, 2016 at 8:04 am
Hi,
I would defo see a dermatologist my experience with my GP put me at stage 4 so please see one straight away.
scooby123❤️
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- February 20, 2016 at 9:46 am
Thanks Scooby! My issue is I have so many moles I really struggle to keep on top of all of them. I try and take photos of areas and most of the moles.. I keep the photos in a file on the computer and name them after the area the moles are located… Some of them have gotten bigger, changed colour.. I hate to say it but I am probably completely imagining things – And I am terrified that I will go to my specialist appointment next week and they will miss something.. I have since found out that the clinic sets 15 minute appointments.. If they assess you and you need more done you need to come back at a later date. This makes me nervous .. I'd hate to think they will rush the scan. Is it normal to feel this level of anxiety after having melanoma? At worse, mine was only Clark Level II – Stage 1 (0.4 mm breslow)… So we got it early! (Despite my original doctor telling me stage II – what a shock that was!!)
I feel selfish as so many here are going through so much and clinical trials and pain… I feel selfish because I'm feeling so anxious and worried about the possibilities of them finding another. How does everyone here deal with these feelings?
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- February 20, 2016 at 9:46 am
Thanks Scooby! My issue is I have so many moles I really struggle to keep on top of all of them. I try and take photos of areas and most of the moles.. I keep the photos in a file on the computer and name them after the area the moles are located… Some of them have gotten bigger, changed colour.. I hate to say it but I am probably completely imagining things – And I am terrified that I will go to my specialist appointment next week and they will miss something.. I have since found out that the clinic sets 15 minute appointments.. If they assess you and you need more done you need to come back at a later date. This makes me nervous .. I'd hate to think they will rush the scan. Is it normal to feel this level of anxiety after having melanoma? At worse, mine was only Clark Level II – Stage 1 (0.4 mm breslow)… So we got it early! (Despite my original doctor telling me stage II – what a shock that was!!)
I feel selfish as so many here are going through so much and clinical trials and pain… I feel selfish because I'm feeling so anxious and worried about the possibilities of them finding another. How does everyone here deal with these feelings?
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- February 20, 2016 at 1:59 pm
I find two or three shots of rum and coke keeps me calm!!! On a serious note, It does get easier with time and experience, and talking about what you are going through is important. Best wishes!!! Ed
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- February 20, 2016 at 1:59 pm
I find two or three shots of rum and coke keeps me calm!!! On a serious note, It does get easier with time and experience, and talking about what you are going through is important. Best wishes!!! Ed
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- February 20, 2016 at 1:59 pm
I find two or three shots of rum and coke keeps me calm!!! On a serious note, It does get easier with time and experience, and talking about what you are going through is important. Best wishes!!! Ed
-
- February 20, 2016 at 9:46 am
Thanks Scooby! My issue is I have so many moles I really struggle to keep on top of all of them. I try and take photos of areas and most of the moles.. I keep the photos in a file on the computer and name them after the area the moles are located… Some of them have gotten bigger, changed colour.. I hate to say it but I am probably completely imagining things – And I am terrified that I will go to my specialist appointment next week and they will miss something.. I have since found out that the clinic sets 15 minute appointments.. If they assess you and you need more done you need to come back at a later date. This makes me nervous .. I'd hate to think they will rush the scan. Is it normal to feel this level of anxiety after having melanoma? At worse, mine was only Clark Level II – Stage 1 (0.4 mm breslow)… So we got it early! (Despite my original doctor telling me stage II – what a shock that was!!)
I feel selfish as so many here are going through so much and clinical trials and pain… I feel selfish because I'm feeling so anxious and worried about the possibilities of them finding another. How does everyone here deal with these feelings?
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- February 21, 2016 at 3:17 am
See a dermatologist! Let me tell you my story….
My GP sent me to have a couple of moles cut off back around 2005. One was fine, the other came back as "pre-cancerous." The surgeon told me to be careful in the sun, but neither he nor my GP suggested I start seeing a dermatologist. So I never thought any more about it.
In late 2011 a small mole developed on my lower back. I showed it to my GP, who said it looked to him like a a seborrheic keratosis. Again, I didn't worry about it. I did, however have him look at it each time I saw him, which typically is every 6 months. In mid-2012 he told me that he still didn't think it was anything, but he could cut it off if it was bothering me. It wasn't, so again I didn't worry about it. My wife, who is an RN, told me she didn't like the looks of it, and finally, in January 2013 I went to my doctor and asked him to take it off. He cut it off right in his office, and when I went back the next week to have the stitches removed, he came in the room with a concerned look on his face and said "I have some bad news for you. That mole I cut off was melanoma."
Since then I have had three surgeries: a wide area excision and SLNB, followed by a lymph node dissection. Then more surgery when several new lumps appeared under the skin around the original site. Almost immediately after the last surgery, more spots appeared on my skin, along with several small lesions in my right lung. I've had the four treatments of ipi, and am now receiving Keytruda.
Now, going to a dermatologist years ago might not have made a bit of difference, and I might be in the same spot I am now. But given what I know now I wish that I had been advised, or taken it upon myself, to see a dermatologist back then!
-Bill
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- February 21, 2016 at 3:17 am
See a dermatologist! Let me tell you my story….
My GP sent me to have a couple of moles cut off back around 2005. One was fine, the other came back as "pre-cancerous." The surgeon told me to be careful in the sun, but neither he nor my GP suggested I start seeing a dermatologist. So I never thought any more about it.
In late 2011 a small mole developed on my lower back. I showed it to my GP, who said it looked to him like a a seborrheic keratosis. Again, I didn't worry about it. I did, however have him look at it each time I saw him, which typically is every 6 months. In mid-2012 he told me that he still didn't think it was anything, but he could cut it off if it was bothering me. It wasn't, so again I didn't worry about it. My wife, who is an RN, told me she didn't like the looks of it, and finally, in January 2013 I went to my doctor and asked him to take it off. He cut it off right in his office, and when I went back the next week to have the stitches removed, he came in the room with a concerned look on his face and said "I have some bad news for you. That mole I cut off was melanoma."
Since then I have had three surgeries: a wide area excision and SLNB, followed by a lymph node dissection. Then more surgery when several new lumps appeared under the skin around the original site. Almost immediately after the last surgery, more spots appeared on my skin, along with several small lesions in my right lung. I've had the four treatments of ipi, and am now receiving Keytruda.
Now, going to a dermatologist years ago might not have made a bit of difference, and I might be in the same spot I am now. But given what I know now I wish that I had been advised, or taken it upon myself, to see a dermatologist back then!
-Bill
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- February 23, 2016 at 3:00 am
I had my appointment at the Skin Cancer Clinic across town this morning. She wasn't concerned about the mole I am worried about, even though it has changed colour and grown slightly in size over the last few months. She took photos of some moles and said that most melanoma will be from new moles only (I know this already – but my melanoma was found in an existing mole so new or not, they all freak me out!)
She checked my lymph node areas and said everything seems fine and said she is happy to see me again in three months, if I want to return.
My 3-monthly appointment with my current Dr is due in March.. I am thinking of going back for this appointment and seeing him .. See if he might do a biopsy at least to help put my mind at ease on that mole.
I hate this, running between doctors, but I feel I need to do this so I know that I can feel comfortable..
I think I might be happy enough to stay with my current Dr as he is located 10 minutes away and I can work around the school times with my children if I have appointments. I think going to the other clinic today for their opinion has helped calm me.. I just needed to hear another doctor say that they couldn't find anything I think.
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- February 23, 2016 at 3:00 am
I had my appointment at the Skin Cancer Clinic across town this morning. She wasn't concerned about the mole I am worried about, even though it has changed colour and grown slightly in size over the last few months. She took photos of some moles and said that most melanoma will be from new moles only (I know this already – but my melanoma was found in an existing mole so new or not, they all freak me out!)
She checked my lymph node areas and said everything seems fine and said she is happy to see me again in three months, if I want to return.
My 3-monthly appointment with my current Dr is due in March.. I am thinking of going back for this appointment and seeing him .. See if he might do a biopsy at least to help put my mind at ease on that mole.
I hate this, running between doctors, but I feel I need to do this so I know that I can feel comfortable..
I think I might be happy enough to stay with my current Dr as he is located 10 minutes away and I can work around the school times with my children if I have appointments. I think going to the other clinic today for their opinion has helped calm me.. I just needed to hear another doctor say that they couldn't find anything I think.
-
- February 23, 2016 at 3:00 am
I had my appointment at the Skin Cancer Clinic across town this morning. She wasn't concerned about the mole I am worried about, even though it has changed colour and grown slightly in size over the last few months. She took photos of some moles and said that most melanoma will be from new moles only (I know this already – but my melanoma was found in an existing mole so new or not, they all freak me out!)
She checked my lymph node areas and said everything seems fine and said she is happy to see me again in three months, if I want to return.
My 3-monthly appointment with my current Dr is due in March.. I am thinking of going back for this appointment and seeing him .. See if he might do a biopsy at least to help put my mind at ease on that mole.
I hate this, running between doctors, but I feel I need to do this so I know that I can feel comfortable..
I think I might be happy enough to stay with my current Dr as he is located 10 minutes away and I can work around the school times with my children if I have appointments. I think going to the other clinic today for their opinion has helped calm me.. I just needed to hear another doctor say that they couldn't find anything I think.
-
- February 21, 2016 at 3:17 am
See a dermatologist! Let me tell you my story….
My GP sent me to have a couple of moles cut off back around 2005. One was fine, the other came back as "pre-cancerous." The surgeon told me to be careful in the sun, but neither he nor my GP suggested I start seeing a dermatologist. So I never thought any more about it.
In late 2011 a small mole developed on my lower back. I showed it to my GP, who said it looked to him like a a seborrheic keratosis. Again, I didn't worry about it. I did, however have him look at it each time I saw him, which typically is every 6 months. In mid-2012 he told me that he still didn't think it was anything, but he could cut it off if it was bothering me. It wasn't, so again I didn't worry about it. My wife, who is an RN, told me she didn't like the looks of it, and finally, in January 2013 I went to my doctor and asked him to take it off. He cut it off right in his office, and when I went back the next week to have the stitches removed, he came in the room with a concerned look on his face and said "I have some bad news for you. That mole I cut off was melanoma."
Since then I have had three surgeries: a wide area excision and SLNB, followed by a lymph node dissection. Then more surgery when several new lumps appeared under the skin around the original site. Almost immediately after the last surgery, more spots appeared on my skin, along with several small lesions in my right lung. I've had the four treatments of ipi, and am now receiving Keytruda.
Now, going to a dermatologist years ago might not have made a bit of difference, and I might be in the same spot I am now. But given what I know now I wish that I had been advised, or taken it upon myself, to see a dermatologist back then!
-Bill
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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