Stage 1b melanoma
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Stage 1b melanoma

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage 1b melanoma

  • Post
    • May 27, 2015 at 11:43 pm
    Mkelley1
    Participant

      Hi everyone.  I am a 30 year old male and I was recently diagnosed with stage 1b melanoma/ mitotic scale 2/ Clarke level 2/ no ulceration.  They did not do a SNLB because the mole was located in the upper center part of my back.  Anyways,  I feel like I want to do a SNLB but I don't know if it's possible since I am a month out of wide local excision.   Anyways, can they reopen me up and check the lymph nodes?  I would appreciate if anyone with a similar situation can put in their input.  Thanks- Mark

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • May 28, 2015 at 1:29 am
        Janner
        Participant

          The SLNB really should be done PRIOR to the WLE.  The WLE removes a large chunk of skin and may alter the lymphatic drainage paths.  The sentinel node prior to the WLE may no longer be the same node now.  It could be done, but the results would never be conclusive if the results were negative.  You don't state the depth of your lesion.

          • May 28, 2015 at 1:29 am
          Janner
          Participant

            The SLNB really should be done PRIOR to the WLE.  The WLE removes a large chunk of skin and may alter the lymphatic drainage paths.  The sentinel node prior to the WLE may no longer be the same node now.  It could be done, but the results would never be conclusive if the results were negative.  You don't state the depth of your lesion.

              • May 28, 2015 at 3:09 am
              Mkelley1
              Participant

                Thanks Janet my depth is .63.  The docs told me that anything under .75 they don't want to do an SNLB.  However my mitosis was 2 which concerns me.  I don't really understand the whole mitosis thing I read about people saying they have a 5 or more and r doing fine.  Anways thanks for the response-mark

                • May 28, 2015 at 3:09 am
                Mkelley1
                Participant

                  Thanks Janet my depth is .63.  The docs told me that anything under .75 they don't want to do an SNLB.  However my mitosis was 2 which concerns me.  I don't really understand the whole mitosis thing I read about people saying they have a 5 or more and r doing fine.  Anways thanks for the response-mark

                  • May 28, 2015 at 3:09 am
                  Mkelley1
                  Participant

                    Thanks Janet my depth is .63.  The docs told me that anything under .75 they don't want to do an SNLB.  However my mitosis was 2 which concerns me.  I don't really understand the whole mitosis thing I read about people saying they have a 5 or more and r doing fine.  Anways thanks for the response-mark

                    • May 29, 2015 at 1:34 am
                    liberty04281
                    Participant
                      If your depth is .63, you are stage 1a.
                      • May 29, 2015 at 3:24 am
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Actually, that's not correct.  If he had a mitosis of <1, he would be stage 1a.  A mitosis of 2 makes this a stage 1b lesion.  The staging changed the end of 2010.  You are quoting the old staging criteria.  Stage 1a is a much more exclusive club, now.

                        • May 29, 2015 at 10:23 am
                        Mkelley1
                        Participant

                          Janner, so I have been having a difficult time finding other people who are in a similar situation as me.  Meaning my same diagnosis, being a male, having it located on my back, etc.  is there anywhere I can find people with my same situation out there?  Any info would help- thank you

                          • May 29, 2015 at 11:04 am
                          JC
                          Participant

                            There should be general cancer support groups in your area. Check with the American Cancer Society in your area. There might be melanoma specific support groups as well. There are a few organizations that can link you up with someone else who has a similar cancer diagnosis. One organization that will connect you is Imerman Angels.

                            http://www.imermanangels.org/

                             

                            MRF also has a phone buddy program:  http://www.melanoma.org/find-support/phone-buddy

                            • May 29, 2015 at 11:04 am
                            JC
                            Participant

                              There should be general cancer support groups in your area. Check with the American Cancer Society in your area. There might be melanoma specific support groups as well. There are a few organizations that can link you up with someone else who has a similar cancer diagnosis. One organization that will connect you is Imerman Angels.

                              http://www.imermanangels.org/

                               

                              MRF also has a phone buddy program:  http://www.melanoma.org/find-support/phone-buddy

                              • May 29, 2015 at 11:04 am
                              JC
                              Participant

                                There should be general cancer support groups in your area. Check with the American Cancer Society in your area. There might be melanoma specific support groups as well. There are a few organizations that can link you up with someone else who has a similar cancer diagnosis. One organization that will connect you is Imerman Angels.

                                http://www.imermanangels.org/

                                 

                                MRF also has a phone buddy program:  http://www.melanoma.org/find-support/phone-buddy

                                • May 29, 2015 at 10:23 am
                                Mkelley1
                                Participant

                                  Janner, so I have been having a difficult time finding other people who are in a similar situation as me.  Meaning my same diagnosis, being a male, having it located on my back, etc.  is there anywhere I can find people with my same situation out there?  Any info would help- thank you

                                  • May 29, 2015 at 10:23 am
                                  Mkelley1
                                  Participant

                                    Janner, so I have been having a difficult time finding other people who are in a similar situation as me.  Meaning my same diagnosis, being a male, having it located on my back, etc.  is there anywhere I can find people with my same situation out there?  Any info would help- thank you

                                    • May 29, 2015 at 3:24 am
                                    Janner
                                    Participant

                                      Actually, that's not correct.  If he had a mitosis of <1, he would be stage 1a.  A mitosis of 2 makes this a stage 1b lesion.  The staging changed the end of 2010.  You are quoting the old staging criteria.  Stage 1a is a much more exclusive club, now.

                                      • May 29, 2015 at 3:24 am
                                      Janner
                                      Participant

                                        Actually, that's not correct.  If he had a mitosis of <1, he would be stage 1a.  A mitosis of 2 makes this a stage 1b lesion.  The staging changed the end of 2010.  You are quoting the old staging criteria.  Stage 1a is a much more exclusive club, now.

                                        • May 29, 2015 at 1:34 am
                                        liberty04281
                                        Participant
                                          If your depth is .63, you are stage 1a.
                                          • May 29, 2015 at 1:34 am
                                          liberty04281
                                          Participant
                                            If your depth is .63, you are stage 1a.
                                            • May 30, 2015 at 10:36 pm
                                            Hollywood
                                            Participant

                                              I was diagnosed last week (1.8mm) with Melanoma – it was a mole in the dead center of my back as well. Due to size, they will be removing the lymph nodes in my armpits. I'm going to UCLA. Doc says it's only a 15-20 chance it spread so doing this as a precaution.

                                              I'm brand new to all this too – still in a bit of shock. Appreciate that there are so many people providing answers and insights!

                                              • June 1, 2015 at 8:25 pm
                                              Mkelley1
                                              Participant

                                                What doctor are u seeing at UCLA- I'm trying to get in there as well.  Hope your doing good and u will be fine.  Let me know or call me-  mark-619-388-9054

                                                • June 3, 2015 at 5:48 am
                                                Mkelley1
                                                Participant

                                                  What is the deal with the current staging and prognosis for stage 1b melanoma.  A mitosis of greater than 1 separates it from stage 1a but I read that people have a mitosis of 2,3,4,5,6 and they bunch it all into one.  Is 2 mitosis better than 6?   They make it sound as though anything above 1 is a death sentence eventually.  Very confusing.  Also what percentage of stage 1b patients show a positive SNLB ?  The reason for this is my melanoma was .63 but a mitosis of 2 with no ulceration.  They decided not to do an SNLB.  I'm pretty upset about this cause I feel like it has left me staging limbo.  Any thoughts?

                                                  • June 3, 2015 at 11:22 am
                                                  yunielth
                                                  Participant

                                                    Hi!

                                                    My sister had almost the same breslow depth that you, she had 0.6 mm clark III and mitosis < 1 mm2, she is stage 1a. What clark´s level you had? Where was your primary?  What upgrades you to stage 1b was the mitosis, because is greater than 1.

                                                    Not sure why the doctors didn´t decide to do the SLNB, I think because the breslow depth, that is the most important thing! Mitosis is an adverse feature to take in count for staging and also to make the SLNB even for thin melanomas between 0.75mm and 1 mm. I know you are upset because of that, I was too when I knew that doctors didnt do the SLNB even when she had <1 mitosis, but then I understood it was the most reasonable, the changes to spread at that depth is low, but is not a guarantee even for smaller depth with  '0' mitosis. The SLNB for thin melanoma between 0.75 and 1 mm is recommended just under adverse features (clark IV, mitosis >= 1,ulceration,lymphovascular invasion).

                                                    Just think possitive!

                                                    Best regards,

                                                    Yuni

                                                    • June 3, 2015 at 2:04 pm
                                                    Mkelley1
                                                    Participant

                                                      Thanks for the response Yuni.  My primary was located in left side of spine of my upper back.  My Clarke level was level 2, no ulceration, mitosis 2, depth .63.  I'm being positive but I feel the doctors dropped the ball on this one

                                                      • June 4, 2015 at 2:58 am
                                                      Mkelley1
                                                      Participant

                                                        Janer, I know u had three primaries back in 1992.  My question is what was your mitosis for each area as well as depth and location.  Thank u for your time

                                                        • June 4, 2015 at 2:58 am
                                                        Mkelley1
                                                        Participant

                                                          Janer, I know u had three primaries back in 1992.  My question is what was your mitosis for each area as well as depth and location.  Thank u for your time

                                                          • June 4, 2015 at 2:58 am
                                                          Mkelley1
                                                          Participant

                                                            Janer, I know u had three primaries back in 1992.  My question is what was your mitosis for each area as well as depth and location.  Thank u for your time

                                                            • June 3, 2015 at 2:04 pm
                                                            Mkelley1
                                                            Participant

                                                              Thanks for the response Yuni.  My primary was located in left side of spine of my upper back.  My Clarke level was level 2, no ulceration, mitosis 2, depth .63.  I'm being positive but I feel the doctors dropped the ball on this one

                                                              • June 3, 2015 at 2:04 pm
                                                              Mkelley1
                                                              Participant

                                                                Thanks for the response Yuni.  My primary was located in left side of spine of my upper back.  My Clarke level was level 2, no ulceration, mitosis 2, depth .63.  I'm being positive but I feel the doctors dropped the ball on this one

                                                                • June 3, 2015 at 11:22 am
                                                                yunielth
                                                                Participant

                                                                  Hi!

                                                                  My sister had almost the same breslow depth that you, she had 0.6 mm clark III and mitosis < 1 mm2, she is stage 1a. What clark´s level you had? Where was your primary?  What upgrades you to stage 1b was the mitosis, because is greater than 1.

                                                                  Not sure why the doctors didn´t decide to do the SLNB, I think because the breslow depth, that is the most important thing! Mitosis is an adverse feature to take in count for staging and also to make the SLNB even for thin melanomas between 0.75mm and 1 mm. I know you are upset because of that, I was too when I knew that doctors didnt do the SLNB even when she had <1 mitosis, but then I understood it was the most reasonable, the changes to spread at that depth is low, but is not a guarantee even for smaller depth with  '0' mitosis. The SLNB for thin melanoma between 0.75 and 1 mm is recommended just under adverse features (clark IV, mitosis >= 1,ulceration,lymphovascular invasion).

                                                                  Just think possitive!

                                                                  Best regards,

                                                                  Yuni

                                                                  • June 3, 2015 at 11:22 am
                                                                  yunielth
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    Hi!

                                                                    My sister had almost the same breslow depth that you, she had 0.6 mm clark III and mitosis < 1 mm2, she is stage 1a. What clark´s level you had? Where was your primary?  What upgrades you to stage 1b was the mitosis, because is greater than 1.

                                                                    Not sure why the doctors didn´t decide to do the SLNB, I think because the breslow depth, that is the most important thing! Mitosis is an adverse feature to take in count for staging and also to make the SLNB even for thin melanomas between 0.75mm and 1 mm. I know you are upset because of that, I was too when I knew that doctors didnt do the SLNB even when she had <1 mitosis, but then I understood it was the most reasonable, the changes to spread at that depth is low, but is not a guarantee even for smaller depth with  '0' mitosis. The SLNB for thin melanoma between 0.75 and 1 mm is recommended just under adverse features (clark IV, mitosis >= 1,ulceration,lymphovascular invasion).

                                                                    Just think possitive!

                                                                    Best regards,

                                                                    Yuni

                                                                    • June 3, 2015 at 5:48 am
                                                                    Mkelley1
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      What is the deal with the current staging and prognosis for stage 1b melanoma.  A mitosis of greater than 1 separates it from stage 1a but I read that people have a mitosis of 2,3,4,5,6 and they bunch it all into one.  Is 2 mitosis better than 6?   They make it sound as though anything above 1 is a death sentence eventually.  Very confusing.  Also what percentage of stage 1b patients show a positive SNLB ?  The reason for this is my melanoma was .63 but a mitosis of 2 with no ulceration.  They decided not to do an SNLB.  I'm pretty upset about this cause I feel like it has left me staging limbo.  Any thoughts?

                                                                      • June 3, 2015 at 5:48 am
                                                                      Mkelley1
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        What is the deal with the current staging and prognosis for stage 1b melanoma.  A mitosis of greater than 1 separates it from stage 1a but I read that people have a mitosis of 2,3,4,5,6 and they bunch it all into one.  Is 2 mitosis better than 6?   They make it sound as though anything above 1 is a death sentence eventually.  Very confusing.  Also what percentage of stage 1b patients show a positive SNLB ?  The reason for this is my melanoma was .63 but a mitosis of 2 with no ulceration.  They decided not to do an SNLB.  I'm pretty upset about this cause I feel like it has left me staging limbo.  Any thoughts?

                                                                        • June 1, 2015 at 8:25 pm
                                                                        Mkelley1
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          What doctor are u seeing at UCLA- I'm trying to get in there as well.  Hope your doing good and u will be fine.  Let me know or call me-  mark-619-388-9054

                                                                          • June 1, 2015 at 8:25 pm
                                                                          Mkelley1
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            What doctor are u seeing at UCLA- I'm trying to get in there as well.  Hope your doing good and u will be fine.  Let me know or call me-  mark-619-388-9054

                                                                            • May 30, 2015 at 10:36 pm
                                                                            Hollywood
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              I was diagnosed last week (1.8mm) with Melanoma – it was a mole in the dead center of my back as well. Due to size, they will be removing the lymph nodes in my armpits. I'm going to UCLA. Doc says it's only a 15-20 chance it spread so doing this as a precaution.

                                                                              I'm brand new to all this too – still in a bit of shock. Appreciate that there are so many people providing answers and insights!

                                                                              • May 30, 2015 at 10:36 pm
                                                                              Hollywood
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                I was diagnosed last week (1.8mm) with Melanoma – it was a mole in the dead center of my back as well. Due to size, they will be removing the lymph nodes in my armpits. I'm going to UCLA. Doc says it's only a 15-20 chance it spread so doing this as a precaution.

                                                                                I'm brand new to all this too – still in a bit of shock. Appreciate that there are so many people providing answers and insights!

                                                                              • May 28, 2015 at 1:29 am
                                                                              Janner
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                The SLNB really should be done PRIOR to the WLE.  The WLE removes a large chunk of skin and may alter the lymphatic drainage paths.  The sentinel node prior to the WLE may no longer be the same node now.  It could be done, but the results would never be conclusive if the results were negative.  You don't state the depth of your lesion.

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