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referrals in New York for second opinion
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referrals in New York for second opinion

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › referrals in New York for second opinion

  • Post
    • September 3, 2010 at 1:15 am
    mifis
    Participant

      Hi there,

      Hi there,

      I had a melanoma in situ excised in May, a further excision in June and as no clear margins a further excision in July. Still no clear margins; showing atypical melanocytes. Dermatologist and Plastic surgeon say not to worry about it. Pathologist suggested a possible further biopsy near to, but 1 to 2 inches away from excision to see if whole area atypical, then would assume sun damage. Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist say not to worry. Spoke with Family Doctor and she agrees with me that a second opinion might be helpful, maybe even a re-read of the slides as dermatopathology so subjective. She is particularly worried about the part of the patho report that reads " the extent of disarray and atypia is very concerning". Problem is I am in Central New York and Family Practitioner not sure of who to send me to in area so I am looking for recommendations of experienced specialists in melanoma in the area, which includes Syracuse, Rochester, Albany. Also willing to go to NYC if necessary or even Boston (but not sure if insurance would cover that)

      Thanks for your help!

       

      Jennifer

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 3, 2010 at 4:05 pm
        JenM
        Participant
          Hi Jennifer,

          I live in Nassau county, so I really don’t know anybody in your area. I would recommend my surgeon oncologist who is located in Great Neck, also in Nassau County. His name is Mansoor Beg. He is a very skilled surgeon and well versed on Melanoma. He only does surgeries on breast cancer and melanoma. I recently had a conversation with him about the number of melanoma cases he does a year- about-250 to 300. He has been practicing for about 20 years.

          I can’t say enough about him. He is one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. Wish every physician was like him. He has shown me so many acts of kindness. In addition he is very thorough and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to your melanoma. He gives you all the time in the world to answer your questions. If you call him, he calls you back that day-that is his personal policy. I have gotten calls from him at 11:00pm!!!! Dr. Beg does not take my insurance. But I have never gotten a bill from him. I do have out of network benefits so he just takes whatever the insurance company pays him.

          He works out of North Shore Hospital. There is only one dermapathologist at the hospital and he definitely sees a lot of melanoma.

          My other suggestion would be Sloan Kettering. I have seen Dr. Chapman (medical oncologist) but I know people who have seen Dr. Wolchuk and they love him. I saw him speak once and he seemed very nice….reminded me of my surgeon. They have an excellent Pathologist-Dr. Bastian. He recently came from UCSF, San Francisco. I have heard wonderful things about him. From what I have read he is very smart and well respected.

          Good luck with your search. I have often said that even though having melanoma stinks, I am very blessed to have Dr. Beg as my surgeon.

          • September 3, 2010 at 4:05 pm
          JenM
          Participant
            Hi Jennifer,

            I live in Nassau county, so I really don’t know anybody in your area. I would recommend my surgeon oncologist who is located in Great Neck, also in Nassau County. His name is Mansoor Beg. He is a very skilled surgeon and well versed on Melanoma. He only does surgeries on breast cancer and melanoma. I recently had a conversation with him about the number of melanoma cases he does a year- about-250 to 300. He has been practicing for about 20 years.

            I can’t say enough about him. He is one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. Wish every physician was like him. He has shown me so many acts of kindness. In addition he is very thorough and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to your melanoma. He gives you all the time in the world to answer your questions. If you call him, he calls you back that day-that is his personal policy. I have gotten calls from him at 11:00pm!!!! Dr. Beg does not take my insurance. But I have never gotten a bill from him. I do have out of network benefits so he just takes whatever the insurance company pays him.

            He works out of North Shore Hospital. There is only one dermapathologist at the hospital and he definitely sees a lot of melanoma.

            My other suggestion would be Sloan Kettering. I have seen Dr. Chapman (medical oncologist) but I know people who have seen Dr. Wolchuk and they love him. I saw him speak once and he seemed very nice….reminded me of my surgeon. They have an excellent Pathologist-Dr. Bastian. He recently came from UCSF, San Francisco. I have heard wonderful things about him. From what I have read he is very smart and well respected.

            Good luck with your search. I have often said that even though having melanoma stinks, I am very blessed to have Dr. Beg as my surgeon.

            • September 4, 2010 at 8:08 am
            eeick
            Participant

              Jennifer,

              I would suggest contacting your ins to find out were they would approve a second opinion.  When my husband was diagnosed I found that Memorial Sloan-Kettering was one of the choices.  If you can this hospital is # 1 in the world for Melanoma.  The lead Oncologist, Dr Wolchok is fantastic. We have been very impressed with the team approach that is used. My husband would not be here but for Memorial.

              • September 4, 2010 at 8:08 am
              eeick
              Participant

                Jennifer,

                I would suggest contacting your ins to find out were they would approve a second opinion.  When my husband was diagnosed I found that Memorial Sloan-Kettering was one of the choices.  If you can this hospital is # 1 in the world for Melanoma.  The lead Oncologist, Dr Wolchok is fantastic. We have been very impressed with the team approach that is used. My husband would not be here but for Memorial.

                • September 5, 2010 at 3:33 am
                mifis
                Participant

                  Thank you both very much!

                  • September 5, 2010 at 3:33 am
                  mifis
                  Participant

                    Thank you both very much!

                Viewing 5 reply threads
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