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Just had stage 1a removed , nervous
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Just had stage 1a removed , nervous

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Just had stage 1a removed , nervous

  • Post
    • December 2, 2022 at 9:48 pm
    luberhill
    Participant
      5 yrs ago had a stage zero taken off
      Had this otter on my forearm ,derm dr looked at it every 6 months, took it off last week, came back 1a
      I’m upset and think we should have taken it off years ago
      Now he said he’s doing genetic testing first.
      If it’s a stage 1a then just remove the markings and nothing else
      But if it’s 1b ? Or maybe 2a on the genetic test maybe take out a couple lymph nodes
      Is this common for a stage 2 on genetic testing ?
      Now I want him to do an extra extensive exam … any even questionable remove them
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    • Replies
        • December 3, 2022 at 9:19 pm
        ThinkingPositive
        Participant
          Hi luberhill, melanoma can be so sneaky like that. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it again. I didn’t realize that genetic testing changes the staging. Hard to wait, best wishes…Cindy
          • December 5, 2022 at 9:46 am
          JudiAU
          Participant
            I didn’t have genetic testing prior but a 2B usually involves a check of the lymph nodes. I never had genetic testing that early but I have no idea if that is the standard of care these days. Since it is your second melanoma maybe your doctor is being extra careful. Seems a reasonable approach.
            • December 12, 2022 at 9:36 pm
            Danielle T
            Participant
              Hi, I had a similar event. Stage 0 for one, then many years later a stage 1a. The stage 1a was sent for genetic testing. The genetic testing I had done tests certain genetic markers to group the melanoma into one of four groups from low risk to high risk. If high risk, your doctor could choose to check your lymph nodes or add extra surveillance, but the test results alone do not change your stage.

              You should ask your doctor what company is doing the genetic testing and you can likely find their website and get stats and sample result reports

              If you’d like more info I’m happy to share.

              By the way, my genetic test came back as the lowest risk.

              • January 3, 2023 at 2:53 pm
              PSupportsM
              Participant
                They do genetic testing to see what variant you have like braf for example. It will help to target the cancer if treatment is needed.
                Good luck to you.
                Hugs
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