MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Stage 3 and types of scans
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Stage 3 and types of scans

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage 3 and types of scans

  • Post
    • March 29, 2017 at 3:25 pm
    iskitwo
    Participant

      I was diagnosis with stage 3 in Oct 2016 I opted for scans and close watch. I had my first set of scan at MD Anderson in which they did CT and Brain MRI. I am transitioning to a melanoma specialist closer to home for follow up scan and they are suggesting CT only every 3 months. They said that insurance will usually not pay for brain MRI unless you are having headaches.  I am just wondering what some of the others that are stage 3 are doing as far as follow up scans?

      Missy

    Viewing 0 reply threads
    • Replies
        • March 29, 2017 at 3:37 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          That is the standard. Every 3 months for CT or PET or PET/CT depending where you are treated and usually an annual brain mri will get approved, but insurance is a pain in the butt sometimes and will deny if they don't feel like paying. So, yes, some stage 3 patients only get a brain mri once after being diagnosed and then not another unless symptoms permit.

            • March 29, 2017 at 4:23 pm
            landecope16
            Participant

              I am stage 3 – I alternate between the Pet scan and Cat scan every 6 months.

              • March 29, 2017 at 9:12 pm
              jennunicorn
              Participant

                Should have clarified, every 3 months for first year, every 6 months for few years after that. Docs can decide if someone is a low risk stage 3, like 3A, then every 6 months to start might be ok to do. 

                • March 30, 2017 at 4:29 pm
                iskitwo
                Participant

                  Thank you!

            Viewing 0 reply threads
            • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
            About the MRF Patient Forum

            The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

            The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

            Popular Topics