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Should I see an Oncologist?? I’m covered head to toe in moles and freckles….
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Should I see an Oncologist?? I’m covered head to toe in moles and freckles….

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Should I see an Oncologist?? I’m covered head to toe in moles and freckles….

  • Post
    • February 15, 2019 at 3:31 pm
    stljme
    Participant

      Hi all!  I am 38 y/o, diagnosed with 1a Melanoma in April 2018.  Shortly after I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (thanks to my Dermatologist who told me to get my thyroid checked out because it looked large).   What a doctor!!

      My question:  Is it up to me to request an oncologist appointment, or is it unnecessary to see one?  I am COVERED head to toe in moles and freckles, no joke.  Outside of my hands, you can't measure a square CM without running into a mole or freckle.  Natural strawberry blonde, blue eye, fair skin – destined for this prognosis apparently…  🙁     So my fear of course, is how in the world could someone find every occurence of melanoma on this skin.   The majority of my moles fall outside of the ABCD's, and it's hard to track any changes because there are SO MANY to track.

      Would seeing an oncologist guaranty in any way that early detection would be greater?

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    • Replies
        • February 15, 2019 at 4:01 pm
        Gene_S
        Participant

          I think you would be better off seeing a dermatologist.  They do something called mapping.  Also you should be watching for changing moles.

          • February 17, 2019 at 3:27 am
          jennunicorn
          Participant

            Oncologists only come into play when treatment is needed. Dermatologists have the best knowledge and tools for watching your skin and moles. There isn't anything an oncologist is going to be able to do for you as far as your moles and freckles. Maybe someone on here who also has a lot of moles (I am one of the rare few who have less than 5 moles on their body, so any new/changing moles are very easy to spot for me) will chime in and give some advice as to what they do to keep track of everything.

            Sounds like you have a good derm if they are examining you well enough to notice your thyroid was enlarged. Always makes me happy when I know people are receiving quality care. 

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