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New to here & melanoma

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › New to here & melanoma

  • Post
    • February 21, 2011 at 4:03 am
    lindas58
    Participant

      My husband was diagnosed in Dec 2010 with a melanoma on his back. Has since been removed along with the sentinal nodes in his armpits. (they were clear).  I am very confused about his diagnosis & was hoping maybe you could answer some questions  for me. Initial pathology report was very brief, 0.42 Breslow depth,  clarks level lll, 1.6 x 1.1 cm with ulceration. We can't seem to get an answer on what stage this is or if we should be concerrned at all. The drs feel there should be no re-occurance.

      My husband was diagnosed in Dec 2010 with a melanoma on his back. Has since been removed along with the sentinal nodes in his armpits. (they were clear).  I am very confused about his diagnosis & was hoping maybe you could answer some questions  for me. Initial pathology report was very brief, 0.42 Breslow depth,  clarks level lll, 1.6 x 1.1 cm with ulceration. We can't seem to get an answer on what stage this is or if we should be concerrned at all. The drs feel there should be no re-occurance. I am beside myself with worry it will show up elsewhere. The oncologist did tell him a few things to watch for but I feel this isn't enough. Am I just a worry wort?

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        • February 24, 2011 at 11:58 pm
        georgecostanza
        Participant

          Hello:

          Better to be somewhat worried than blissfully ignorant.  I'm no expert, but I believe if there is no lymph node involvement it would be classified as stage II.   You may want to read up on the effectiveness of sentinal lymph node biopsy, it seems to be somewhat controversial whether it tells the full story.  You are right to be on guard.

            • February 25, 2011 at 1:56 am
            lindas58
            Participant

              Thank- you so much for the reply. Its so much to absorb. I always thought of melanoma as a simple skin cancer, boy have I learned otherwise by reading these posts.  I am not sure if we are seeing the right drs either. The surgery was performed by a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer surgery & the dermatologist is a physician assistant. His surgery was Jan 5th. They tell us "no worries." Scares the hell out of me!

              • February 25, 2011 at 1:56 am
              lindas58
              Participant

                Thank- you so much for the reply. Its so much to absorb. I always thought of melanoma as a simple skin cancer, boy have I learned otherwise by reading these posts.  I am not sure if we are seeing the right drs either. The surgery was performed by a surgeon who specializes in breast cancer surgery & the dermatologist is a physician assistant. His surgery was Jan 5th. They tell us "no worries." Scares the hell out of me!

              • February 24, 2011 at 11:58 pm
              georgecostanza
              Participant

                Hello:

                Better to be somewhat worried than blissfully ignorant.  I'm no expert, but I believe if there is no lymph node involvement it would be classified as stage II.   You may want to read up on the effectiveness of sentinal lymph node biopsy, it seems to be somewhat controversial whether it tells the full story.  You are right to be on guard.

                • February 25, 2011 at 2:35 am
                washoegal
                Participant

                  Hi!  actually, it's may be better news than previously stated:  read below

                  Stage IB The tumor is either less than 1 millimeter thick and ulcerated, or 1–2 millimeters thick and not ulcerated.  It has not spread to any lymph nodes or other organs.

                   

                  This came from this web site under "about melanoma".  You have every reason to be optimistic.  However it is always a good idea to have regular check ups (every 6 months or so) with a derm. after you have had any kind of skin cancer.  But for now, you should be happy you caught this thing early and celebrate.  From now on, check-ups and sun-block but you should be on with your life…Ya-hoo!

                  Good Luck

                   

                  Mary

                  Stage 3

                  • February 25, 2011 at 2:35 am
                  washoegal
                  Participant

                    Hi!  actually, it's may be better news than previously stated:  read below

                    Stage IB The tumor is either less than 1 millimeter thick and ulcerated, or 1–2 millimeters thick and not ulcerated.  It has not spread to any lymph nodes or other organs.

                     

                    This came from this web site under "about melanoma".  You have every reason to be optimistic.  However it is always a good idea to have regular check ups (every 6 months or so) with a derm. after you have had any kind of skin cancer.  But for now, you should be happy you caught this thing early and celebrate.  From now on, check-ups and sun-block but you should be on with your life…Ya-hoo!

                    Good Luck

                     

                    Mary

                    Stage 3

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