Question

A dermatologist is fine for doing a WLE. Your chances of metastasis after a successful 1a removal (get a copy of your post WLE pathology report) are very low (2-4%). A melanoma oncologist wouldn't be able to do anything for you, unless you were to progress to further stages. The odds of metastasis vary greatly person to person based on many factors, including but not limited to: how aggressive your particular mutation might be, general condition of your immune system, future diligence with sun protection, future diligence with monitoring yourself (and continueing follow ups with Derm) for any new/changing spots, and check ups with your family doctor for general health status. Feeling as though one has control or could "take blame" for having done "something wrong" is out of the question. Melanoma is varied, as are our individual bodies and their ability to respond to an "unseen attack" of rogue cells. The good news, is that you caught it early, and are aware that your body has the ability to allow melanoma to potentially go unchecked. That is an advantage in staying on top of things for an early catch, should it return. Your wise to have some concern about things, but try not to let it strike fear and panic into you. Keep watch over your body. You know you better than anyone else. You will note changes or oddities before any doctor will see it. You know to be on the watch now… that's an advantage for being proactive. As for completely preventing a recurrence or metastasis…….. do your best, but don't drive yourself crazy with worry. I bet if we had the ability to poll anyone and everyone who has ever had melanoma, we'd find a huge variation of stories of IF it spread, and "why". Doctors can't even tell us WHY it might spread in some, but not in others. Researchers are still looking for why some of the currently available immunotherapy drugs work in some folks, but not in others, and for how long they make work for some, while others may continue to live cancer free forever. Cancers and the human body are incredibly complex.There are far too many factors that come into play. There is NO WAY anyone can point to any decision you have made, and tell you that it is going to lead to metastasis (or not). Nope nope nope. From here, you move forward with the best preventative measures that you can, and deal with the "if's and when's" when and IF they happen. 😉 

You just need a derm who does more cancer than botox.  Really.  Most oncologists won't see you – they don't treat early stages.  They have nothing to offer stage 1a and there is no need for you to see one.  Stage III/IV – totally different story – you need a specialist because there are treatments and options!  A derm is fine for stage 1a, just find one that will partner with you in staying on top of your skin.  You are looking for a derm who specializes in cancer if you can – a cutaneous oncologist.  They're not easy to find so a derm who is more concerned about cancer than botox is a good option.  Also, a derm doing your WLE is perfectly fine as long as the pathology report confirms the margins.  I actually prefer a derm who will do a WLE as opposed to sending you somewhere else to charge you even more. All my 3 primaries were removed by derms.  Get a copy of your pathology reports for your peace of mind and then stop worrying because it sounds like everything is just fine. 

Stage 1B since 1992, 3 MM primaries

Dave Dave Dave, deep breath brother! Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda! What If? If birds had transistor’s in their butts we’de have music in the air..you are right on schedule, you had it looked at & its all good! Your the earliest stage possible for Melanoma (wanna trade?) & its up to YOU now to stay proactive, sun creams, no heavy sun exposure, scheduled Scans, Derm Doc visits and the MOST important Look at your NAKED Self! Yep, get butt ass naked (but be discreet) and look yourself over, check Under your testicle gunny sack, spread those Butt Cheeks (it may wink at you) & look for any abnormalities, look under your feet & All cracks & crevices you may have extra. Iv caught i think 3 of the 7 (in total) tumors that blossomed “After” scans where performed, all others where caught by scans cuz of their “Deepness”…your good man, no worries, stay ProActive! God! “If” (refer to bird bit) i only knew then what i know Now!…