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DiscussionMelanoma: genetics and recurrence
Cancer | Last Active: Jun 7, 2017 | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I am a Stage 4 melanoma survivor...I had it removed the first time from my neck..."
My pcp (in Red Wing) removed the entire mole in the office. When the path report came back as melanoma, I had surgery to check for clear margins (which there were from the original biopsy). I was then referred to Rochester to see a dermatologist. Never has a chest x-ray been mentioned, or any type of blood work.
dx: Clark level 2
This was the biopsy report back in 2000 Diagnosis: Malignant Melanoma. Clark's Level 3. Tumor Thickness 1.45mm. The Margins of Excision appear uninvolved. Suggest re-incision.
I did have a chest X ray during that time and a CT scan. They seldom use Clark's level anymore as a measurement. http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma/guide-to-staging-melanoma
@lynnkay1956 - from my research, superficial spreading is the most common kind of melanoma. As far as I am aware, immunotherapy would never be offered for someone who is just stage 1. The only treatment, as far as I know, is wide excision. And then, depending on the depth of the lesion, possible sentinel node biopsy.
That is what I have had done both times. As for follow up, I see a dermatologist at least twice a year (I actually go 4 times, but I think standard of care is every 6 months). My melanoma specialist also does blood work and takes a chest xray when I go to him, which is supposed to be yearly, but the dematologist screening is really all that I have understood to be protocol for early stages. Of course my last lesion was 2008 so I haven't researched again lately, but I can't believe that they would do anything more for Stage 1 patients.