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Need some more advice

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Need some more advice

  • Post
    • March 9, 2012 at 3:04 am
    kelsta78
    Participant

      A couple of weeks ago I had a wide excision done on a mole on my back that was 1mm with clarks level IV.  The pathology report for the tissue around the mole was clear (thank god).  So now my surgeon says to wait about 6 months and get a PET scan done.

      A couple of weeks ago I had a wide excision done on a mole on my back that was 1mm with clarks level IV.  The pathology report for the tissue around the mole was clear (thank god).  So now my surgeon says to wait about 6 months and get a PET scan done.

      I was thinking about things and realised that a couple of months before I had the mole removed I had a swollen gland under my armpit that was swollen and painful for about a week and a half.  I had totally forgotten about that so didn't tell the doctor about it.  I didn't get a SNB done at the time as my doctor said it was no necessary for my level and did not affect my long term prognosis.

      I realise swollen glands can be a sign of alot of things, like stress etc.  My friend had them on her neck and the doctor cut out a suspicious mole on her back thinking it was Melanoma because of the swollen glands that she still gets.  But luckily for her it was not that.

      Should I call the doctor about this?  I have an appointment in 3 weeks time to see him again to check the area.  Thanks for your advice, I am now checking this forum all the time to educate myself. 

      Also does anyone on this forum recommend a melanoma specialist in Brisbane Australia?  The doctor I am seeing is a surgeon but not a Melanoma specialist so I would like to swap my ongoing care to somewhere that specialises.

      Thanks

    Viewing 11 reply threads
    • Replies
        • March 9, 2012 at 4:08 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          Did the lymph node shrink?  In general, cancerous lesions don't go back to normal.  If you felt the lymph node before and aren't feeling it now, it's much more likely to be an infection.  Infection typically causes lymph nodes to hurt, but more often cancerous nodes don't hurt and are just hard and could be unmovable.

          We can only give you generalities here.  If you really want to assess your own situation, you'll have to talk to your doctor.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

          • March 9, 2012 at 4:08 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            Did the lymph node shrink?  In general, cancerous lesions don't go back to normal.  If you felt the lymph node before and aren't feeling it now, it's much more likely to be an infection.  Infection typically causes lymph nodes to hurt, but more often cancerous nodes don't hurt and are just hard and could be unmovable.

            We can only give you generalities here.  If you really want to assess your own situation, you'll have to talk to your doctor.

            Best wishes,

            Janner

              • March 9, 2012 at 6:41 pm
              Erinmay22
              Participant

                I would say it doesn't hur to mention it at your appointment.  I'm surprised at 1mm they didn't do a sentinel lymph node biopsy?  and did they do an inital CT/PET scan?  or are they just waiting 6 months?  I thought typical a CT/PET was done at the beginning to help with staging?  Or maybe I have just lucked out with very aggressive doctors?

                Best of luck!  I would just make sure to write down any questions you have for your next appointment.  Sometimes I go ahead and send my question ahead of time – but that's just so I don't get overwhelmed and forget!

                Cheers,

                Erin

                • March 9, 2012 at 6:41 pm
                Erinmay22
                Participant

                  I would say it doesn't hur to mention it at your appointment.  I'm surprised at 1mm they didn't do a sentinel lymph node biopsy?  and did they do an inital CT/PET scan?  or are they just waiting 6 months?  I thought typical a CT/PET was done at the beginning to help with staging?  Or maybe I have just lucked out with very aggressive doctors?

                  Best of luck!  I would just make sure to write down any questions you have for your next appointment.  Sometimes I go ahead and send my question ahead of time – but that's just so I don't get overwhelmed and forget!

                  Cheers,

                  Erin

                  • March 9, 2012 at 6:41 pm
                  Erinmay22
                  Participant

                    I would say it doesn't hur to mention it at your appointment.  I'm surprised at 1mm they didn't do a sentinel lymph node biopsy?  and did they do an inital CT/PET scan?  or are they just waiting 6 months?  I thought typical a CT/PET was done at the beginning to help with staging?  Or maybe I have just lucked out with very aggressive doctors?

                    Best of luck!  I would just make sure to write down any questions you have for your next appointment.  Sometimes I go ahead and send my question ahead of time – but that's just so I don't get overwhelmed and forget!

                    Cheers,

                    Erin

                  • March 9, 2012 at 4:08 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Did the lymph node shrink?  In general, cancerous lesions don't go back to normal.  If you felt the lymph node before and aren't feeling it now, it's much more likely to be an infection.  Infection typically causes lymph nodes to hurt, but more often cancerous nodes don't hurt and are just hard and could be unmovable.

                    We can only give you generalities here.  If you really want to assess your own situation, you'll have to talk to your doctor.

                    Best wishes,

                    Janner

                    • March 9, 2012 at 8:14 pm
                    MissJenn
                    Participant

                      Yes…please go find a Melanoma Specialist!  I don't know why they would not do a Sentinal Lymph Node biopsy but mine was .92mm and Clarks Level III and it had traveled to my lymph nodes, and the tissue around my mole was clear.  Get a second opinion for sure and soon.

                      • March 9, 2012 at 8:14 pm
                      MissJenn
                      Participant

                        Yes…please go find a Melanoma Specialist!  I don't know why they would not do a Sentinal Lymph Node biopsy but mine was .92mm and Clarks Level III and it had traveled to my lymph nodes, and the tissue around my mole was clear.  Get a second opinion for sure and soon.

                        • March 9, 2012 at 8:14 pm
                        MissJenn
                        Participant

                          Yes…please go find a Melanoma Specialist!  I don't know why they would not do a Sentinal Lymph Node biopsy but mine was .92mm and Clarks Level III and it had traveled to my lymph nodes, and the tissue around my mole was clear.  Get a second opinion for sure and soon.

                          • March 10, 2012 at 7:00 am
                          LynnLuc
                          Participant

                            IF and when they do the PET scan  it shold have an elevated SUV and light up…Lynn

                            • March 10, 2012 at 7:00 am
                            LynnLuc
                            Participant

                              IF and when they do the PET scan  it shold have an elevated SUV and light up…Lynn

                              • March 10, 2012 at 7:00 am
                              LynnLuc
                              Participant

                                IF and when they do the PET scan  it shold have an elevated SUV and light up…Lynn

                                • March 12, 2012 at 6:01 am
                                Leigh
                                Participant

                                  Assoc Prof Smithers at Mater Private is absolutely fantastic.  Best of luck (I am pretty surprised they are doing a PET)

                                  • March 12, 2012 at 6:01 am
                                  Leigh
                                  Participant

                                    Assoc Prof Smithers at Mater Private is absolutely fantastic.  Best of luck (I am pretty surprised they are doing a PET)

                                      • March 12, 2012 at 10:51 pm
                                      kelsta78
                                      Participant

                                        Thanks everyone for your words.

                                        Yes the swollen lump under my armpit did go away after 1-2 weeks so that is promising.

                                        Thanks for letting me know about that doctor, just wondering why you are surprised they are doing a PET scan??  (I am new to all this).

                                        Thanks

                                        • March 12, 2012 at 10:51 pm
                                        kelsta78
                                        Participant

                                          Thanks everyone for your words.

                                          Yes the swollen lump under my armpit did go away after 1-2 weeks so that is promising.

                                          Thanks for letting me know about that doctor, just wondering why you are surprised they are doing a PET scan??  (I am new to all this).

                                          Thanks

                                          • March 12, 2012 at 10:51 pm
                                          kelsta78
                                          Participant

                                            Thanks everyone for your words.

                                            Yes the swollen lump under my armpit did go away after 1-2 weeks so that is promising.

                                            Thanks for letting me know about that doctor, just wondering why you are surprised they are doing a PET scan??  (I am new to all this).

                                            Thanks

                                          • March 12, 2012 at 6:01 am
                                          Leigh
                                          Participant

                                            Assoc Prof Smithers at Mater Private is absolutely fantastic.  Best of luck (I am pretty surprised they are doing a PET)

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