New Diagnosis – Opinions Please

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  • Post
    • April 22, 2013 at 3:04 pm
    Crystal0702
    Participant

      Hello!  I was just diagnosed with Melanoma in situ based on a small sample that my PCP took. I have a Surgery Consult and Oncology appointment next week. My biopsy report inidcated that the Melanoma Cells covered the full tissue sample, which is why I need further surgery, can this diagnosis change? Is there a chance that the cells go deeper than the sample showed?

      Also, Ive seen mix responses – but is this actually cancerous?

      Thanks in advance for anyones opinion/advice/experience! 

      Hello!  I was just diagnosed with Melanoma in situ based on a small sample that my PCP took. I have a Surgery Consult and Oncology appointment next week. My biopsy report inidcated that the Melanoma Cells covered the full tissue sample, which is why I need further surgery, can this diagnosis change? Is there a chance that the cells go deeper than the sample showed?

      Also, Ive seen mix responses – but is this actually cancerous?

      Thanks in advance for anyones opinion/advice/experience! 

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • April 22, 2013 at 3:22 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          Since your margins were involved, there is a chance it could go deeper.  Unlikely, but you can never say never until the entire lesion is removed.  Removing more tissue (regardless if your margins are involved) is standard protocol.  It is called a Wide Local Excision (WLE).  With melanoma or even most atypical (non-cancerous) moles, they remove extra tissue just in case there are any rogue cells that have migrated away from the primary tumor.

          Is this cancer?  Depends who you ask.  Most here would probably say yes but there are some in the medical community who think not.  Insurance probably does think it is cancer, though.  Even if it is cancer, it has an extremely high cure rate once surgically removed.

          Watch your moles for change and practice sun safety!

          Janner

          • April 22, 2013 at 3:22 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            Since your margins were involved, there is a chance it could go deeper.  Unlikely, but you can never say never until the entire lesion is removed.  Removing more tissue (regardless if your margins are involved) is standard protocol.  It is called a Wide Local Excision (WLE).  With melanoma or even most atypical (non-cancerous) moles, they remove extra tissue just in case there are any rogue cells that have migrated away from the primary tumor.

            Is this cancer?  Depends who you ask.  Most here would probably say yes but there are some in the medical community who think not.  Insurance probably does think it is cancer, though.  Even if it is cancer, it has an extremely high cure rate once surgically removed.

            Watch your moles for change and practice sun safety!

            Janner

              • April 22, 2013 at 4:29 pm
              Crystal0702
              Participant

                Thank you, Janner! This is all new for me, obviously, and scary I dont want to minimalize or make a bigger deal than it is, but also know that the survival rate is great. I appreciate you taking the time out to ease/help my anxiety!

                Best Regards,

                Crystal

                • April 22, 2013 at 4:29 pm
                Crystal0702
                Participant

                  Thank you, Janner! This is all new for me, obviously, and scary I dont want to minimalize or make a bigger deal than it is, but also know that the survival rate is great. I appreciate you taking the time out to ease/help my anxiety!

                  Best Regards,

                  Crystal

                  • April 22, 2013 at 4:29 pm
                  Crystal0702
                  Participant

                    Thank you, Janner! This is all new for me, obviously, and scary I dont want to minimalize or make a bigger deal than it is, but also know that the survival rate is great. I appreciate you taking the time out to ease/help my anxiety!

                    Best Regards,

                    Crystal

                    • April 22, 2013 at 5:30 pm
                    Crystal0702
                    Participant

                      Thank you, Janner! This is all new for me, obviously, and scary I dont want to minimalize or make a bigger deal than it is, but also know that the survival rate is great. I appreciate you taking the time out to ease/help my anxiety!

                      Best Regards,

                      Crystal

                      • April 22, 2013 at 5:30 pm
                      Crystal0702
                      Participant

                        Thank you, Janner! This is all new for me, obviously, and scary I dont want to minimalize or make a bigger deal than it is, but also know that the survival rate is great. I appreciate you taking the time out to ease/help my anxiety!

                        Best Regards,

                        Crystal

                        • April 22, 2013 at 5:30 pm
                        Crystal0702
                        Participant

                          Thank you, Janner! This is all new for me, obviously, and scary I dont want to minimalize or make a bigger deal than it is, but also know that the survival rate is great. I appreciate you taking the time out to ease/help my anxiety!

                          Best Regards,

                          Crystal

                        • April 22, 2013 at 3:22 pm
                        Janner
                        Participant

                          Since your margins were involved, there is a chance it could go deeper.  Unlikely, but you can never say never until the entire lesion is removed.  Removing more tissue (regardless if your margins are involved) is standard protocol.  It is called a Wide Local Excision (WLE).  With melanoma or even most atypical (non-cancerous) moles, they remove extra tissue just in case there are any rogue cells that have migrated away from the primary tumor.

                          Is this cancer?  Depends who you ask.  Most here would probably say yes but there are some in the medical community who think not.  Insurance probably does think it is cancer, though.  Even if it is cancer, it has an extremely high cure rate once surgically removed.

                          Watch your moles for change and practice sun safety!

                          Janner

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