Possible Melanoma on Foot

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 7 months ago by Rebekahtmiller.

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- September 11, 2019 at 12:13 pm
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Rebekahtmiller
Participant
Hello-
I am due to have a biopsy on my foot 9/26 for a suspicious lesion on my foot. The doctor is telling me it’s suspicious for melanoma. My question is this. The spot is about 6mm and they are taking 2.5×2.5 inch area from the bottom of my foot. Does that seem like overkill? I will not be able to put any weight on it for 3 weeks they are telling me. Is that the first step the doctors should be taking?
Thanks,
Rebekah

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- - September 11, 2019 at 2:27 pm
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  SABKLYN
  Participant
  Hi Rebekah,
  If you read through posts on this site, you will often see instances of not having clear margins after the biopsy. An excisional biopsy gives you the best chance for clear margins after the procedure. My only question would be if that doctor is a melanoma specialist.
  - September 11, 2019 at 2:52 pm
    
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    Rebekahtmiller
    Participant
    
    No, he’s just a podiatrist. Should i request a melanoma specialist handle my surgery?
  - September 12, 2019 at 12:41 am
    
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    SABKLYN
    Participant
    
    Hi again. I totally missed that this was a podiatrist.I would DEFINITELY see a melanoma specialist. My apologies for any confusion
  - September 12, 2019 at 4:23 am
    
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    JudiAU
    Participant
    
    I would prefer a dermatologist handle this biopsy. I’m not sure I think a podiatrist is the right choice at all. In my experience the offending growth was removed, typed, and then when it was confirmed melanoma I had a second wide excision made and my lymph nodes were checked.
- - September 11, 2019 at 8:17 pm
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  Ellie_82
  Participant
  Hi Rebekah,
  
  I am usually a big proponent of a quick biopsy, but in this case, what you are telling us sounds a little off to me. A podiatrist (???) taking nearly 1/3 off of your foot area for a biopsy? I do not think that a podiatrist is qualified to do a biopsy at all (I may be wrong, but my gut feeling is that it’s not the best idea), let alone taking such a huge area. If it were me, I would have wanted a board certified dermatologist doing this procedure. A melanoma specialist would be great, of course, but they usually have long waits for those not yet diagnosed, if they take you at all. A big cancer center near me won’t even take you in for a biopsy unless you already have a melanoma diagnosis. Depending where you live, there may be dermatologists specializing in melanoma, but again, these may be booked for a long time. If you can find one – great, if not, I think that a reputable general dermatologist would do, especially if they are affiliated with an academic institution (but not required). All the best!
  - September 12, 2019 at 7:19 pm
    
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    casagrayson
    Participant
    
    I know our dermatologist sets aside appointments so that anyone with a “concerning lesion” can be seen within ten days. I would call around until you found one that could get you in.
- - September 12, 2019 at 12:34 am
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  MichelleRHG
  Participant
  Ditto what Ellie said! In hindsight I learned my own lesson! Not with a podiatrist, but saw the wrong people early on.
- - September 13, 2019 at 3:42 pm
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  Linny
  Participant
  Since this doc is a podiatrist, I would opt for a second opinion by someone who sees melanoma on a more frequent basis. A dermatologist would be a good start since the lesion is not a confirmed melanoma.
  - September 13, 2019 at 5:15 pm
    
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    Rebekahtmiller
    Participant
    
    My Dermatologist is the one that referred me to the podiatrist to do the biopsy. Apparently on Cape Cod, they don’t do much in house. I am going to call around and see what i can find out.