Multiple stage 0 skin cancer diagnoses: Are skin checks enough?

Posted by lll137 @lll137, Jul 19 7:29am

I am 55 and was recently diagnosed with my 4th stage 0 site in two years. All 4 have been removed with good margins, but I wonder if there are more aggressive steps I should be taking, aside from skin checks every 3 months. I do feel like my doctor is good, I just wonder if skin checks are aggressive enough. Any guidance would be appreciated.

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

tillymack | @tillymack | Jul 19 8:19am

Have you considered going to MD Anderson or Memorial Sloan Kettering for a consultation?

seniormed | @seniormed | Jul 19 8:48am

Exam every 3 months should be adequate. Whole body photos can help if you have numerous lesions.
Multiple pigmented lesions can justify genetic testing.
Exam with the derm scope is very helpful in early diagnosis and keep copies of your dermpath reports.

lll137 | @lll137 | Jul 20 4:25pm

In reply to @tillymack "Have you considered going to MD Anderson or Memorial Sloan Kettering for a consultation?" + (show)

@tillymack- I have considered seeking additional opinions with centers that are known for their extensive expertise, but not specifically these two facilities. This was part of the reason that I asked the question in this forum, to understand if that may be advised.

lll137 | @lll137 | Jul 20 4:26pm

In reply to @seniormed "Exam every 3 months should be adequate. Whole body photos can help if you have numerous..." + (show)

@seniormed - thank you for your help!

Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Jul 20 5:44pm

@jill37: Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, I'm glad you found our forum on Melanoma and Skin Cancers as I had after my most recent treatment for melanoma 2 years ago, that was detected at a more advanced stage.

It does appear your doctor is following standard guidelines as set forth here: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/after-treatment/follow-up-by-stage/ however, I understand your concern after having 4 of these treated.
Furthermore, it doesn't appear genetic testing would necessarily be indicated as your melanomas have been staged at 0 (in situ, upper layer of the skin only) as stated here: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/melanoma/genetic-testing

Many facilities, whether specialized hospitals or dermatology clinics, are starting to offer mole mapping. The important criteria for consideration is that it be performed by a board certified dermatologist or specialized clinical imaging center. Here is additional information: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/early-detection-of-melanoma/mole-mapping/

Has your doctor advised how long you'll be undergoing skin checks at every 3 month intervals? Does the practice use a dermascope (a type of magnifying tool) during these exams?