Melanoma: CT scan showed metastatic mass on my left ventricular wall

Welcome, @rebmar. This must feel like everything is moving so fast. I'm bringing in fellow members birdman518 @barbjo @gingerw @bdpp who have experience with melanoma.

Rebmar, It sounds like you received the results of your PET scan before your appointment with your oncologist and you're concerned about the terms in the report.

"A PET scan (positron emission tomography) works to identify areas of hypermetabolic activity anywhere in the body. A radioactive substance is given to the patient and this attaches to glucose, which is attracted to cells that are hypermetabolic. When the scan is done, these areas "light up." Often, but not always, cancer cells fall into this category of being hypermetabolic. In addition, not everything that is hypermetabolic is cancer."

A PET scan is only one step in the diagnostic process. When do you have an appointment with your oncologist to discuss the results of the PET scan and to talk about the next step or test?

My Dr. ordered a Cardio MRI, after that I will see a cardiologist to determine whether a biopsy can be performed. Melanoma is suspected because it was in the lung middle lobe that was removed in April 2020. The biopsy would be to determine for certain the type cancer. According to the cardiologist it can be a dangerous procedure. If it is melanoma, I will start immunotherapy. I had 6 months of immunotherapy after my lung removal and it was a very bad experience, joint pain, weakness, complete exhaustion.

@rebmar This must have been quite a surprise to hear. Did you previously have any occurrence of melanoma on your skin? If so, what stage was it, and did they also do a lymph node check at that time?

As @colleenyoung mentioned, the appointment with your oncologist will help you understand where you stand, and figure out what type of situation you find yourself in right now.
Ginger

I’m sorry you are dealing with this. I had surgery on my lower calf for an invasive malignant melanoma. Mine was unusual because of the location I had to have a wide open incision. It took about two months to close. The only way for it to heal because of the poor circulation in the lower leg was to lay down with the leg elevated. I go back for my second post op visit in January. It wasn’t a good location for healing ,but it certainly was much easier to remove than what you are facing. I’m also sorry that the immunotherapy was such an unpleasant experience. I’ll keep you my thoughts, please let me know how you are doing.

I never had melanoma anywhere on my body, but the cancer in my lung was identified as melanoma.

I would love to talk to someone about some things I'm going through too

Wish all the Drs would give a description of PET that includes the fact that it is "one step in the process". Thanks

@naturechick7979 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will see many different types of support groups here.

If you could give me an idea what you are going through, I'll be happy to point you in the direction of one of those groups and discussions!
Ginger

Wow, I have not heard of this before.

When is the appointment with your team, to determine what the next step is? It is a good idea to try to relax and not overthink at this point, in my humble experience. I know that is really easy to say, but difficult to do.
Ginger

The biopsy was positive for stage 4 melanoma. I started immunotherapy, Opdualag (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) Jan 9th every 4 weeks for 4 months and then a CT scan to check progress.