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4 Successive Melanoma Findings
I’ve now had 4 separate biopsies come back in the last 10 months with “almost melanoma” on my right shin, “melanoma in-situ” on my right breast, and two successive instances of “invasive melanoma” on my inner right arm, upper and lower. First 3 areas have been excised with clear margins. 4th one is scheduled to be excused in a couple of weeks.
1) anyone else going through something like this
2) I’m getting full body skin checks every 3 months. Is there anything else I should be doing to stay on top of this issue beyond that?
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My case is similar to yours. One of mine is the bottom of my foot.
Nothing else to do.
Eat healthy, stay positive, and continue to see your dermatologist every 3 months.
Be kind to yourself.
I wear long sleeves and a big hat all the time, and wear sunscreen
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2 Reactions@jcconley: That sounds like an intense several months. You may find these helpful: an overview from Mayo Clinic on melanoma, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884 and this on skin cancer prevention - https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer
I'm wondering if you've possibly been treating with, referred to or would consider inquiring about treatment with an oncologist in addition to a dermatologist who I presume has been treating you? Sometimes additional testing may be performed based on your history and findings. And may I ask how you're doing from a mental ? Speaking from personal perspective, it can be one thing to tackle this physically, but another to wrap your head around the potential implications.
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4 ReactionsMy husband is going through the same thing. He is scheduled for a Vectra WB360 3D scan of the skin at the end of the month that can identify problem areas for the dermatologist to keep an extra check on. There are only cameras for this in certain areas of the country. You have to pay for it on your own. Where he is going is AHN West Penn in Pittsburgh, PA and it will be $250.
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5 Reactions@grammato3 thank you!
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1 Reaction@grammato3 thank you. I have my first appt with dermatology at Mayo in Scottsdale next month. My VA dermatologist strongly recommends that at this appointment, I request looping in Mayo oncology given my 3+ separate melanoma findings.
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3 ReactionsI too have received the same diagnosis, melanoma in situ. Shortly before that I had another removal, it was squamous cell. With the melanoma diagnosis it was suggested to check with my gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy, have my omthamologist check my eyes and make sure my primary physician is made aware. I’ve had a few sites frozen and now waiting for the results of another biopsy. I am forever grateful for my Dermatologist!h
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8 Reactions@malanna thank you!! I also had my eyes checked “just in case”. Wishing you all benign results on your outstanding biopsies!
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6 Reactions