Recurrence

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  • Post
    • October 20, 2014 at 8:24 pm
    Steve2142
    Participant

      I had metastatic melanoma in one lymph node in 2012 and had a complete lymph node dissection. I did not opt for interferon.  Have watched it closely and had annual pet scans and all has been good.  I just found two suspicious spots and had them biopsied and they are both new melanoma lesions that the Dr. believes are tied to the original melanoma from 2012.  One on my back was a 6.5mm non-ulcerated lesion and the other was a 4.9mm ulcerated lesion in my scalp above the ear. Going back for a pet scan and will probably need to discuss immunotherapy again.  My question is would this be considered "distant metastases" of the skin and therefore puts me at Stage IV?  Thank you.

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    • Replies
        • October 20, 2014 at 9:06 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          If these are considered metastatic lesions, then yes I think this would be considered stage IV.  You didn't say where you had your lymph node dissection, but the scalp and the back are most likely "distant" from each other.

          • October 20, 2014 at 9:06 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            If these are considered metastatic lesions, then yes I think this would be considered stage IV.  You didn't say where you had your lymph node dissection, but the scalp and the back are most likely "distant" from each other.

            • October 20, 2014 at 9:06 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              If these are considered metastatic lesions, then yes I think this would be considered stage IV.  You didn't say where you had your lymph node dissection, but the scalp and the back are most likely "distant" from each other.

                • October 20, 2014 at 9:09 pm
                Steve2142
                Participant

                  Thank you for your response.  The original primary was on my left cheek.  The lymph node was above my adam's apple.  The new lesions are above my right ear on my left back.  Thanks again.

                  • October 20, 2014 at 9:09 pm
                  Steve2142
                  Participant

                    Thank you for your response.  The original primary was on my left cheek.  The lymph node was above my adam's apple.  The new lesions are above my right ear on my left back.  Thanks again.

                    • October 20, 2014 at 9:09 pm
                    Steve2142
                    Participant

                      Thank you for your response.  The original primary was on my left cheek.  The lymph node was above my adam's apple.  The new lesions are above my right ear on my left back.  Thanks again.

                      • October 20, 2014 at 9:31 pm
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        So the scalp is probably considered local, but the back would more likely drain to either the clavicle area or armpit area.  The neck nodes aren't the most likely drainage for the back, so that means that lesion would probably be considered distant.

                        • October 20, 2014 at 9:31 pm
                        Janner
                        Participant

                          So the scalp is probably considered local, but the back would more likely drain to either the clavicle area or armpit area.  The neck nodes aren't the most likely drainage for the back, so that means that lesion would probably be considered distant.

                          • October 20, 2014 at 9:31 pm
                          Janner
                          Participant

                            So the scalp is probably considered local, but the back would more likely drain to either the clavicle area or armpit area.  The neck nodes aren't the most likely drainage for the back, so that means that lesion would probably be considered distant.

                          • October 20, 2014 at 10:04 pm
                          ed williams
                          Participant

                            Steve, if it is only coming back on the skin I would not be overly concerned. Make sure you are getting regular Ct.scans, would be my main focus at this point. If they can catch mets early they have a better chance at treating Melanoma, especially with the brain ( personal experience). I am not an expert on Melanoma, but I thought that  stage 4 meant that the Melanoma has spread to a major organ in the body. Hope it turns out to be just a little skin removal and no more. Ed

                            • October 20, 2014 at 10:04 pm
                            ed williams
                            Participant

                              Steve, if it is only coming back on the skin I would not be overly concerned. Make sure you are getting regular Ct.scans, would be my main focus at this point. If they can catch mets early they have a better chance at treating Melanoma, especially with the brain ( personal experience). I am not an expert on Melanoma, but I thought that  stage 4 meant that the Melanoma has spread to a major organ in the body. Hope it turns out to be just a little skin removal and no more. Ed

                              • October 20, 2014 at 10:04 pm
                              ed williams
                              Participant

                                Steve, if it is only coming back on the skin I would not be overly concerned. Make sure you are getting regular Ct.scans, would be my main focus at this point. If they can catch mets early they have a better chance at treating Melanoma, especially with the brain ( personal experience). I am not an expert on Melanoma, but I thought that  stage 4 meant that the Melanoma has spread to a major organ in the body. Hope it turns out to be just a little skin removal and no more. Ed

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