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Newly diagnosed “very early” melanoma
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Newly diagnosed “very early” melanoma

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Newly diagnosed “very early” melanoma

  • Post
    • August 4, 2014 at 1:59 pm
    cc
    Participant

      Good morning, 

         My dermatologist called on Friday morning stating that a  mole that I had removed last week from my lower leg was found to be positive for a "very early" melanoma.  Of course, I wasn't prepared for that and don't think I asked the right questions.  I did ask him how he knew that it was very early, and he said that that was what the pathology report stated.  He then told me to come cack in on Thursday of this week to his office to have it removed.  i have been calling the office to try to get the data from the report, but have not  heard back.  From reading around on this site, I think that he must mean that it is in situ.  My question is, do I try to schedule an appointment with a melonoma specialist, even if it is a "very early" melanoma?  I am not far from the University of Pennsylvania, and would go there, but I am not sure if  I need a specialist for an early melanoma.

       

      Thanks!

        CC

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • August 4, 2014 at 5:22 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          You could if that makes you feel good, but I probably wouldn't.  I suspect you are right that it is most likely in situ and I think your derm could handle the WLE.  (Some derms don't do surgery like this but mine did and it was fine for me).  Just confirm with the doc before the stage or depth before your surgery.  You would have to wait longer to get things done at UPenn.  Get a copy of your path report for your own records.  

            • August 4, 2014 at 8:14 pm
            cc
            Participant

              Thanks so much!  I did finally get my pathology report and it says that it is melanoma in situ.  It also says that there is secondary lichen simplex chronicus, probably from rubbing, in my specimen.  I had  never heard of this, and when I researched it this afternoon, I found that it almost always associated with and caused by chronic severe itching.  This is disturbing to me because my lesion was never itchy, so I never scratched it, and so I feel that I cannot possibly have that condition.  Is anyone familiar with this?   

              • August 4, 2014 at 8:14 pm
              cc
              Participant

                Thanks so much!  I did finally get my pathology report and it says that it is melanoma in situ.  It also says that there is secondary lichen simplex chronicus, probably from rubbing, in my specimen.  I had  never heard of this, and when I researched it this afternoon, I found that it almost always associated with and caused by chronic severe itching.  This is disturbing to me because my lesion was never itchy, so I never scratched it, and so I feel that I cannot possibly have that condition.  Is anyone familiar with this?   

                • August 4, 2014 at 8:14 pm
                cc
                Participant

                  Thanks so much!  I did finally get my pathology report and it says that it is melanoma in situ.  It also says that there is secondary lichen simplex chronicus, probably from rubbing, in my specimen.  I had  never heard of this, and when I researched it this afternoon, I found that it almost always associated with and caused by chronic severe itching.  This is disturbing to me because my lesion was never itchy, so I never scratched it, and so I feel that I cannot possibly have that condition.  Is anyone familiar with this?   

                • August 4, 2014 at 5:22 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  You could if that makes you feel good, but I probably wouldn't.  I suspect you are right that it is most likely in situ and I think your derm could handle the WLE.  (Some derms don't do surgery like this but mine did and it was fine for me).  Just confirm with the doc before the stage or depth before your surgery.  You would have to wait longer to get things done at UPenn.  Get a copy of your path report for your own records.  

                  • August 4, 2014 at 5:22 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    You could if that makes you feel good, but I probably wouldn't.  I suspect you are right that it is most likely in situ and I think your derm could handle the WLE.  (Some derms don't do surgery like this but mine did and it was fine for me).  Just confirm with the doc before the stage or depth before your surgery.  You would have to wait longer to get things done at UPenn.  Get a copy of your path report for your own records.  

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