Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

@donnahall, you might like to connect with other members who have experience with Merkel cell carcinoma here:
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: I'd like to hear from others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/merkel-cell-carcinoma-1/

See all https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/melanoma-skin-cancer/

I am 74 years old have had an ugly dark mole on my shoulder for years that looked suspicious. My husband , a retired primary care doctor felt like it should be taken seriously and even referred to it as my “ melanoma” as he kept an eye on it. When I asked my primary care doctor, a dermatologist, my oncologist ( uterine cancer “cured” three years ago ) , the oncologist PA —- all said “ No, that mole is fine”. Well finally a new dermatologist removed it and biopsy came back melanoma - stage 1 superficial.3. I am waiting for the next step. Praying that it had been “fine” and just now turned into cancer. My husband was right all along. Anyone else had similar experiences?

How did they proceed? What is happening with your leg now?

@wrightvillebeach
I know when I asked my primary care doctor about a suspicious thing on my skin he referrs me to dermatology. He is my Mayo PCP and of course Mayo Jacksonville has an oustanding dermatology department.

I have not had melanoma but about 8-9 BCC. I only had 1 SCC until now. I just had dermatology appointment on 18th. Two biopsies taken and now have 2 new SCCs.

What I have found is that SCC seem to appear out of wounds, sores, that do not heal. The BCC appear to be pimple type look. I know these last 2 SCCs had a gray crust on top. I have a habit on scratching raised things (unconsciously) on my body so did not think much about them except one on back of arm by elbow that would not heal and hurt to put arm down.

Both are in sitro (still in skin) and will probably have MOHS as that is what all rests were treated.

A mole can appear to be normal and then grow/change into cancer. I know every time I asked about a mole they say something like mature spot, or not an issue unless causing discomfort. But I see a dermatologist at Mayo Jacksonville every year for complete body inspection. If I had melanoma diagnosis the seeing would be much more often per my dermatologist.

Good luck. You have a lot of options on treating it with great sucess rate since is stage 1.

@jc76

Having surgery 11/25 ! Good to hopefully receive a clear margin before holidays ! Thanks for your response.

@wrightvillebeach I had also been told by a dermatology PA that a rapidly growing reddened area on my cheek was essentially "nothing to worry about" but she biopsied it "just to be sure" and it did come back positive for a more aggressive type of melanoma so that goes to show one cannot always say for certainty merely by looking at a skin lesion what the pathology may be. I'm glad you sought the advice of a new dermatologist and will be having treatment this week. May I ask what the treatment will be - is it a Mohs procedure?

Also, I'm a bit confused by the results of the biopsy: "stage 1 superficial.3." Perhaps the 3 was added unintentionally? Stage 1 superficial is generally regarded as highly curable with low risk for metastasis or recurrence. That said, now that you have been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, it's important to be mindful of check for changes in moles or new growths, and follow the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving changes in size, shape, or symptoms like itching. Other signs include firm red bumps, scaly patches, or shiny, pearly bumps

This guide is also helpful: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605

Can you let me know after your procedure on the 25th how you're doing?

I have not gotten the written path report. It is my understanding she will cut to get a clear margin under lidocaine numbing with stitches involved. I will update after Tuesday.