› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Question and More Questions
- This topic has 6 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 4 months ago by
JerryfromFauq.
- Post
-
- January 3, 2012 at 5:28 pm
My family and I consider the Dermatologist part of the family. We actually gave him a Christmas present this year. All of us have been diagnosed with Melanoma at least once, but my brother has had several 5+ primaries. To answer your question, yes, our situation is genetic. We all have been diagnosed with FAMMM. Several of us are also getting scanned for pancreatic cancer too. Who knew the pancreas wanted part of the fun?
My family and I consider the Dermatologist part of the family. We actually gave him a Christmas present this year. All of us have been diagnosed with Melanoma at least once, but my brother has had several 5+ primaries. To answer your question, yes, our situation is genetic. We all have been diagnosed with FAMMM. Several of us are also getting scanned for pancreatic cancer too. Who knew the pancreas wanted part of the fun?
I have been very good about my skin checks for the past five year, but my dermatologist has found my three melanoma's. Each one was thin and was found after using the dermascope.
Although my derm has saved my life more times than I can count, I was not really satisfied with a few questions I have. My brother is on this sight and he suggested asking the group. (I am using his account) So here it is.
1. Will all the atypical moles I have not (300+) ever stabilize, meaning, will there ever be a point where I no longer have to worry about my current moles, just look for new moles.
2. Ever since my first mel, I stay out of the sun, lather in sun screen if I do get in the sun, and cringe when I see a tanning bed. Will I be able to prevent new moles from showing up if I keep these habits afloat? Or will I still get new moles even after taking special precautions.
3. At what point do you get an itchy mole removed. When I have an itch, I most likely itch a mole since I have so many, there are several that I itch more than others (not more than once a day), but all have been looked at by the derm and determined to be fine. I know these moles have not changed a bit, but I still worry because my derm always says at the beginning of the appt, "do any moles bleed or itch?" I always show him the same moles and he says they're fine. Should I be more worried? Thanks for all your help.
- Replies
-
-
- January 3, 2012 at 8:28 pm
1. 50% of melanomas show up on new moles, 50% on existing. I do not think there will ever be a time when you don't have to watch your current moles.
2. Since it appears you have DNS (Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome), I think the sun has a much lesser role than genetics. I think you will continue to get new moles regardless of your sun habits. I have a different genetic defect (CDKN2A) and was given a 76% lifetime risk of developing melanoma. I still am sun conscious but doubt it plays any major role in my melanoma.
3. I think this has to be your gut feeling. I personally look for change (I've had 3) but none of my 3 have itched. I guess I'd say if something itches MORE, it the itching stands out as abnormal, or if it continues to bother you, have it biopsied. I like my derm and trust him, but I rely on my gut feeling (and so does he). So regardless of what your derm thinks, if YOU are bothered, it is time to have it removed.
Just my 2 cents.
Best wishes,
Janner
-
- January 3, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Janner's 2 cents worth is worth more than many peoples Dollars worth! it is your determination as to which bothers you the most , getting small scars from removals or knowing for sure they weren't tumors.
-
- January 3, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Janner's 2 cents worth is worth more than many peoples Dollars worth! it is your determination as to which bothers you the most , getting small scars from removals or knowing for sure they weren't tumors.
-
- January 3, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Janner's 2 cents worth is worth more than many peoples Dollars worth! it is your determination as to which bothers you the most , getting small scars from removals or knowing for sure they weren't tumors.
-
- January 3, 2012 at 8:28 pm
1. 50% of melanomas show up on new moles, 50% on existing. I do not think there will ever be a time when you don't have to watch your current moles.
2. Since it appears you have DNS (Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome), I think the sun has a much lesser role than genetics. I think you will continue to get new moles regardless of your sun habits. I have a different genetic defect (CDKN2A) and was given a 76% lifetime risk of developing melanoma. I still am sun conscious but doubt it plays any major role in my melanoma.
3. I think this has to be your gut feeling. I personally look for change (I've had 3) but none of my 3 have itched. I guess I'd say if something itches MORE, it the itching stands out as abnormal, or if it continues to bother you, have it biopsied. I like my derm and trust him, but I rely on my gut feeling (and so does he). So regardless of what your derm thinks, if YOU are bothered, it is time to have it removed.
Just my 2 cents.
Best wishes,
Janner
-
- January 3, 2012 at 8:28 pm
1. 50% of melanomas show up on new moles, 50% on existing. I do not think there will ever be a time when you don't have to watch your current moles.
2. Since it appears you have DNS (Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome), I think the sun has a much lesser role than genetics. I think you will continue to get new moles regardless of your sun habits. I have a different genetic defect (CDKN2A) and was given a 76% lifetime risk of developing melanoma. I still am sun conscious but doubt it plays any major role in my melanoma.
3. I think this has to be your gut feeling. I personally look for change (I've had 3) but none of my 3 have itched. I guess I'd say if something itches MORE, it the itching stands out as abnormal, or if it continues to bother you, have it biopsied. I like my derm and trust him, but I rely on my gut feeling (and so does he). So regardless of what your derm thinks, if YOU are bothered, it is time to have it removed.
Just my 2 cents.
Best wishes,
Janner
-
Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.