Question:
I've just got some bad news today about four moles that got biopsied in December. The doctor wants to do additional excisions on three of them (two back, one inner thigh).
I've been through this before since freshmen year in college, when I had one excision done on my back that thankfully came back negative, but left a beautiful 5 inch scar. I've now lost count of all my mole biopsies, but its in the double digits.
I'm a senior college student graduating in May and attending college four hours away from home and my dermotologist. I'm scared about the fact that three moles came back questionable (especially since they're in different areas of the body). I couldn't get an appointment until the middle of May to do my first excision on the thigh since I would have to be laid up and off my feet for five days which doesn't work when you are trying to graduate college. My dermotologist was also "on vacation" during my Spring Break so that couldn't have worked, even though I was ready and willing to completely scrap my Spring Break plans.
I guess what I'm most concerned about is having it be melanoma and just wasting three months without getting a diagnosis. How fast does melanoma spread once it gets started?
Also, is anyone else frustrated about how hard it is to get an appointment at your dermotologist? Personally, I feel like my situation should put me at a priority compared to the women needing their BOTOX injections redone, but I have to wait in line with possible deadly cancer running through my body...
Answer:
Hi Dawn....
Melanoma tumors have secretions which find their way to the lymph nodes.
In order to know if the melanoma has metastasized (spread), you need to get a PET Scan. PET scans detect rapidly growing organs in the body and gives your oncologist a good indication of any new growth areas in your body, even is you can't see them on the outside.
Did your doc specifically use the term "Wide excision" or did he just say "excision"? A wide excision can leave a long scar, but an excision is just slightly larger than the mole.
I had a huge melanoma on my stomach, so it had to be wide excized. Not pretty, but I'm a 54 year old man, so I really didn't care.
Good luck with this, and don't forget to ask your doc about the PET scan.
Bill.....
Answer:
To answer your question about how fast the melanoma spreads, there are so many factors to that question....
How long have the mel's been there...
How fast is your metabolism...
Are the mel's seeping... (no way to know if it's on the inside of your skin)
I'm thinking it could be months or it could be days.
Get to your doc for the PET scan soon.....
No sense taking risks if you can control a part of this.....
I don't want to scare you, but just be smart...
Answer:
Your health is your main priority. Find another dermatologist who can do this during your spring break or sooner. One that is local where your college is. Don't worry about hurting your dermatologist feelings, etc. If it is melanoma you must act FAST.
Also, can't you ask someone is each of your classes if you can copy their notes and they can tell you what homework you missed? Can't your mom or dad drive up and sit in the classes for you? Believe me, my daughter is in college, and I know how hard it is to miss any classes. I would not hesitate to do this for her.