was diagnosed with stage 1a melanoma about one year ago. It was 0.2MM thick and I had a mitotic rate of zero. It was on my upper arm. A WLE was performed and all margins were clear. Also, no other melanoma cells were found even at the original site. Is the non-finding of any cells in the WLE unusual?
I have consulted with two dermatologists concerning melanoma.
The first states all the usual warnings regarding melanoma, caused by radiation exposure, etc.
Second doctor with more of a research orientation, he is on the faculty at Stanford, believes UVA/UVB has little to do with the development of melanoma. He says he believes it is all caused by some genetic weakness or predisposition towards it and not UVA/UVB radiation or sunburns.
I have medium toned skin, blonde hair and green hazel eyes. I tan and do not burn.
Who do I believe?
It is important to me because I have a genetic skin disease called psoriasis. The easiest, and most effective way to treat it is using narrow band spectrum UVB light. Very narrow spectrum and I can control it with an exposure of three minutes once weekly.
One doctor says no more light treatments, the Stanford doctor says no reason I can't continue with home narrow band UVB treatments. Other treatments are systemic drugs, with many side effects and cause minimal suppression of the immune system.
Any comments are appreciated.
Final issue, can anyone provide studies or statistics on skin checks? One doctor says every six months, other says once a year, first two years, and subsequently only if you see something new or bothersome. Second doctor works with a lot more melanoma patients than the first.
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