3 Melanomas (in situ) and now a swollen lymph node

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    • March 8, 2016 at 3:31 am
    Cinmin1
    Participant

      Hi All!

      I've just joined and am so glad for the support! I've had 3 primary melanomas in situ on my right leg and many biopsies. Now I'm getting ready to have a swollen lymph node in my right groin checked. What do you think I can expect at the appointment? Also, my dermatologist made the statement that he thinks I'll have more melanomas, but didn't say why. He just said that I'll need to be rechecked every 3 months indefinitely. The last 2 biopsies came back as "atypical melanocytes with underlying changes of dermal (lamellar) fibrosis"–but I was told they were normal.  Have any of you had multiple primary melanomas? Also, is there something I should ask when I go in to have my lymph node examined? I feel a little lost!

       

       

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    • Replies
        • March 8, 2016 at 5:23 am
        Patina
        Participant

          Hi,

          This is pretty standard and with the number you've had I would expect that if you don't have any others found that after 2 years you could drop down to every 4 or 6 months.

          Due to sun damage, your history or family history your doctor is being vigilant. (This is the type of doctor you want.) If 2 or more family members have had melanoma there is a greater chance that you have a gene that means you are predisposed to getting melanoma.  Just something to be aware of.

          If this ever gets to the point where you don't feel comfortable with your doctor or you end up with a higher staged melanoma see a melanoma specialist. And always get a second or third opinion and ask a lot of questions.

          There are apps now that you can get and have your doctor take photos to compare anything suspicious from check up to checkup. Be sure that he checks your scalp. Some doctors miss this.

          I don't have any information about lymp nodes.

          Good luck!

           

          • March 8, 2016 at 5:23 am
          Patina
          Participant

            Hi,

            This is pretty standard and with the number you've had I would expect that if you don't have any others found that after 2 years you could drop down to every 4 or 6 months.

            Due to sun damage, your history or family history your doctor is being vigilant. (This is the type of doctor you want.) If 2 or more family members have had melanoma there is a greater chance that you have a gene that means you are predisposed to getting melanoma.  Just something to be aware of.

            If this ever gets to the point where you don't feel comfortable with your doctor or you end up with a higher staged melanoma see a melanoma specialist. And always get a second or third opinion and ask a lot of questions.

            There are apps now that you can get and have your doctor take photos to compare anything suspicious from check up to checkup. Be sure that he checks your scalp. Some doctors miss this.

            I don't have any information about lymp nodes.

            Good luck!

             

            • March 8, 2016 at 5:23 am
            Patina
            Participant

              Hi,

              This is pretty standard and with the number you've had I would expect that if you don't have any others found that after 2 years you could drop down to every 4 or 6 months.

              Due to sun damage, your history or family history your doctor is being vigilant. (This is the type of doctor you want.) If 2 or more family members have had melanoma there is a greater chance that you have a gene that means you are predisposed to getting melanoma.  Just something to be aware of.

              If this ever gets to the point where you don't feel comfortable with your doctor or you end up with a higher staged melanoma see a melanoma specialist. And always get a second or third opinion and ask a lot of questions.

              There are apps now that you can get and have your doctor take photos to compare anything suspicious from check up to checkup. Be sure that he checks your scalp. Some doctors miss this.

              I don't have any information about lymp nodes.

              Good luck!

               

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