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Is this something of concern?
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Is this something of concern?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Is this something of concern?

  • Post
    • November 28, 2010 at 6:16 pm
    itsmitzi
    Participant

      I had a melanoma on my left shoulder over 1 1/2 yrs ago. It was 2A, ulcerated with a high mitosis. I had all of the suspicious moles removed then stopped going to the doctor. I figured at my age it isn't going to happen again when I only had one really large and irregular mole. So here's why I am asking today: I see nothing visible and no lumps I can find on the arm but 6 or so weeks ago it started swelling in the hand and about 8 inches above the wrist. I first noticed because I couldn't wear a watch then later had to remove my wedding ring.

      I had a melanoma on my left shoulder over 1 1/2 yrs ago. It was 2A, ulcerated with a high mitosis. I had all of the suspicious moles removed then stopped going to the doctor. I figured at my age it isn't going to happen again when I only had one really large and irregular mole. So here's why I am asking today: I see nothing visible and no lumps I can find on the arm but 6 or so weeks ago it started swelling in the hand and about 8 inches above the wrist. I first noticed because I couldn't wear a watch then later had to remove my wedding ring. Now today I cannot bend the fingers.

      So please tell me its something else and if it were melanoma I would see something visible.

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • November 28, 2010 at 6:35 pm
        Lori C
        Participant

          The problem is, no one can give you the answer you want because the mantra is "any persistent change must be biopsied".  It is probably not melanoma but "probably" is not an acceptable risk to take in dealing with something like melanoma.  You have absolutely nothing to lose by going to the doctor, telling him/her your history and letting them have a look at it and check it out.  On the other hand, ignoring it if it IS melanoma related would be – well, really bad.

          • November 28, 2010 at 6:35 pm
          Lori C
          Participant

            The problem is, no one can give you the answer you want because the mantra is "any persistent change must be biopsied".  It is probably not melanoma but "probably" is not an acceptable risk to take in dealing with something like melanoma.  You have absolutely nothing to lose by going to the doctor, telling him/her your history and letting them have a look at it and check it out.  On the other hand, ignoring it if it IS melanoma related would be – well, really bad.

            • November 28, 2010 at 6:48 pm
            Melanoma Mom
            Participant

              Age really has nothing to do with this disease. I urge you to find a dermatologist and/or physician that you trust and get check-ups on a regular basis. "Ignorance is bliss" does not apply to melanoma.

              • November 28, 2010 at 6:48 pm
              Melanoma Mom
              Participant

                Age really has nothing to do with this disease. I urge you to find a dermatologist and/or physician that you trust and get check-ups on a regular basis. "Ignorance is bliss" does not apply to melanoma.

                • November 28, 2010 at 7:03 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  Did you have a Sentinel Node biopsy when you had your melanoma removed?  Your description sounds a lot like lymphedema which can be triggered even by removing one lymph node from the drainage path.  This is where lymph fluid essentially get trapped and cannot drain.  Lymphedema can be annoying or serious.  The thing is, you want to learn to treat this early before it can become chronic.

                  So, it is possible this is NOT melanoma, but still related to your melanoma surgeries.  I definitely think a visit to the doctor is in order.  Even if it is not malignant and "only" lymphedema, it still needs to be treated!

                  Best wishes,

                  Janner

                    • November 28, 2010 at 8:04 pm
                    itsmitzi
                    Participant

                      Yes, I had a Sentinel Node biopsy with 2 nodes removed, but would lymphedema start a year and 8 months after the snb?

                      • November 28, 2010 at 8:44 pm
                      dian in spokane
                      Participant

                        I agree with Janner that it sounds like lymphadema. Did you have any signs of lymphadema when you had the original SNB? and is this similar?

                        Nevertheless..with your history, you should go to the doctor.

                        I think you already know this

                        • November 28, 2010 at 11:17 pm
                        itsmitzi
                        Participant

                          No, no prior lymphadema. It just started mid October 20 months after the snb surgery. It seems to swell as I sleep then go down a bit during the day as I use it.

                          • November 28, 2010 at 11:17 pm
                          itsmitzi
                          Participant

                            No, no prior lymphadema. It just started mid October 20 months after the snb surgery. It seems to swell as I sleep then go down a bit during the day as I use it.

                            • November 28, 2010 at 8:44 pm
                            dian in spokane
                            Participant

                              I agree with Janner that it sounds like lymphadema. Did you have any signs of lymphadema when you had the original SNB? and is this similar?

                              Nevertheless..with your history, you should go to the doctor.

                              I think you already know this

                              • November 28, 2010 at 9:17 pm
                              Janner
                              Participant

                                Have you had some minor injury to the arm?  Yes, lymphedema can start later although that probably isn't the most common.  But you could have some type of trigger that starts an event and it just doesn't always go away on its own.  It sounds like the swelling is pretty significant so, no matter the cause, it is time to see a doctor.

                                • November 28, 2010 at 11:23 pm
                                itsmitzi
                                Participant

                                  No, no injury either.

                                  I lost confidence with my oncologist in April and since then I feel it sort of  has spread to/ applies to all doctors.

                                  • November 29, 2010 at 2:35 am
                                  LynnLuc
                                  Participant

                                    Change oncologists and find one who specialized in Melanoma…Melanoma is not like other cancers…If I had stayed with my original oncologist I would be dead now instead of NED for the past 8 months  = :o) You have to personally advocate, research and seek out the best oncologists and treatment plans for yourself…

                                    • November 29, 2010 at 2:35 am
                                    LynnLuc
                                    Participant

                                      Change oncologists and find one who specialized in Melanoma…Melanoma is not like other cancers…If I had stayed with my original oncologist I would be dead now instead of NED for the past 8 months  = :o) You have to personally advocate, research and seek out the best oncologists and treatment plans for yourself…

                                      • November 28, 2010 at 11:23 pm
                                      itsmitzi
                                      Participant

                                        No, no injury either.

                                        I lost confidence with my oncologist in April and since then I feel it sort of  has spread to/ applies to all doctors.

                                        • November 28, 2010 at 9:17 pm
                                        Janner
                                        Participant

                                          Have you had some minor injury to the arm?  Yes, lymphedema can start later although that probably isn't the most common.  But you could have some type of trigger that starts an event and it just doesn't always go away on its own.  It sounds like the swelling is pretty significant so, no matter the cause, it is time to see a doctor.

                                          • November 28, 2010 at 8:04 pm
                                          itsmitzi
                                          Participant

                                            Yes, I had a Sentinel Node biopsy with 2 nodes removed, but would lymphedema start a year and 8 months after the snb?

                                          • November 28, 2010 at 7:03 pm
                                          Janner
                                          Participant

                                            Did you have a Sentinel Node biopsy when you had your melanoma removed?  Your description sounds a lot like lymphedema which can be triggered even by removing one lymph node from the drainage path.  This is where lymph fluid essentially get trapped and cannot drain.  Lymphedema can be annoying or serious.  The thing is, you want to learn to treat this early before it can become chronic.

                                            So, it is possible this is NOT melanoma, but still related to your melanoma surgeries.  I definitely think a visit to the doctor is in order.  Even if it is not malignant and "only" lymphedema, it still needs to be treated!

                                            Best wishes,

                                            Janner

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