How to recognize a melanoma?

Posted by babs2 @babs2, Oct 12 3:53pm

I’ve had many basil cell, squamous cell carcinomas but to hear the words Melanoma in situ was a really frightening report! Now that I’ve had it removed by a plastic surgeon, they tell me it’s all ok. How can I be sure of this? How do I know it’s not in my blood stream?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Oct 13 3:29pm

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect @babs2: it’s always hard to deal with any cancer diagnosis and hearing melanoma can be particularly scary. When diagnosed at in situ stage, or Stage 0, that means the cancerous cells have been confined to the outermost portion of the skin, they’ve not gotten deeper into the skin layers - as such, not invaded the lymph or blood stream.

Like you, I have also had all three types of skin cancers: basal, squamous and melanoma. It’s especially important now to practice sun safety to help safeguard against further sun damage. This explains ways to help achieve that: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer.
It’s also very important to check for and report any unusual skin changes and see your dermatologist on a regular basis. Here is a general guide to melanoma and the other skin cancers to be aware of: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605

Does this align with with what your medical provider advised you when your melanoma was treated?