Scared – Have an appointment in five days

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Scared – Have an appointment in five days

  • Post
    • January 3, 2014 at 4:05 pm
    Cat Lady
    Participant

      I am new to this site. I have had what felt like an itchy dry patch on my back for what seems like years. The other day I asked my husband to look at it and he said I should get it checked out. He took a picture of it and it looks very much like the spreading melanoma on this site. It is about a pencil eraser size wide and very slightly thick. There is also another one next to it that looks similar.

      I have an appointment on Wednesday to get it checked out. My question is, because it is on my back I have no idea how long it has been there. Can a melanoma stay in situ for months or years before getting more advanced? I am concerned.

       

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    • Replies
        • January 3, 2014 at 4:20 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          The answer is "yes".  Don't jump to conclusions, but the most common type of melanoma can be very slow growing.  Best thing to do is have a doctor look at it.  And in general, if it looks like other lesions you have, it's typically ok.  You're looking for the "ugly duckling" – and most people only have one melanoma.  Get it checked out, but don't pre-worry!  If it is something of concern, you can research when you know what you are dealing with.  Until then, you'll only scare yourself over something that may not even relate to you!

          Best wishes,

          Janner

          • January 3, 2014 at 4:20 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            The answer is "yes".  Don't jump to conclusions, but the most common type of melanoma can be very slow growing.  Best thing to do is have a doctor look at it.  And in general, if it looks like other lesions you have, it's typically ok.  You're looking for the "ugly duckling" – and most people only have one melanoma.  Get it checked out, but don't pre-worry!  If it is something of concern, you can research when you know what you are dealing with.  Until then, you'll only scare yourself over something that may not even relate to you!

            Best wishes,

            Janner

            • January 3, 2014 at 4:20 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              The answer is "yes".  Don't jump to conclusions, but the most common type of melanoma can be very slow growing.  Best thing to do is have a doctor look at it.  And in general, if it looks like other lesions you have, it's typically ok.  You're looking for the "ugly duckling" – and most people only have one melanoma.  Get it checked out, but don't pre-worry!  If it is something of concern, you can research when you know what you are dealing with.  Until then, you'll only scare yourself over something that may not even relate to you!

              Best wishes,

              Janner

              • January 5, 2014 at 3:25 am
              JerryfromFauq
              Participant

                I have been Stage IV melanoma since 2007.  Have no moles.  Wife has dozens, won't get them checked.    Don't get paranoid, get them checked and stay vigilant.

                 

                • January 5, 2014 at 3:25 am
                JerryfromFauq
                Participant

                  I have been Stage IV melanoma since 2007.  Have no moles.  Wife has dozens, won't get them checked.    Don't get paranoid, get them checked and stay vigilant.

                   

                    • January 8, 2014 at 11:11 pm
                    Cat Lady
                    Participant

                      I appreciate so much your answers. It turned out not to be melanoma but I learned so much about the disease and the importance of regular screenings. This seems like an incredibly supportive site. I also have MS and cannot imagine living with it without the help and support of forums like this. Best to all.

                       

                      • January 10, 2014 at 1:26 pm
                      Tina D
                      Participant

                        so glad you got a good report 🙂     Thank you for coming back to let everyone know, too!

                        Tina

                        • January 10, 2014 at 1:26 pm
                        Tina D
                        Participant

                          so glad you got a good report 🙂     Thank you for coming back to let everyone know, too!

                          Tina

                          • January 10, 2014 at 1:26 pm
                          Tina D
                          Participant

                            so glad you got a good report 🙂     Thank you for coming back to let everyone know, too!

                            Tina

                            • January 8, 2014 at 11:11 pm
                            Cat Lady
                            Participant

                              I appreciate so much your answers. It turned out not to be melanoma but I learned so much about the disease and the importance of regular screenings. This seems like an incredibly supportive site. I also have MS and cannot imagine living with it without the help and support of forums like this. Best to all.

                               

                              • January 8, 2014 at 11:11 pm
                              Cat Lady
                              Participant

                                I appreciate so much your answers. It turned out not to be melanoma but I learned so much about the disease and the importance of regular screenings. This seems like an incredibly supportive site. I also have MS and cannot imagine living with it without the help and support of forums like this. Best to all.

                                 

                              • January 5, 2014 at 3:25 am
                              JerryfromFauq
                              Participant

                                I have been Stage IV melanoma since 2007.  Have no moles.  Wife has dozens, won't get them checked.    Don't get paranoid, get them checked and stay vigilant.

                                 

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