Stage 3C-Options of Treatment after Surgery

I was diagnosed at Stage 4 (unknown primary). Surgical removal and Gamma radiation at surgery. No followup treatment also, only regular CT scans at first. Studies have shown that surgical removal can arrest or lead to long-term NED. I have been NED for about 6 years now. My oncologist (and I suspect yours) wanted to see if melanoma would recur first, prior to beginning any further treatment. And also determine how aggressive the melanoma was. Treatments can often bring about many other complications and stress on your system. Some indications are that treatment may not be as effective if melanoma returns post-treatment, therefore, they may like to hold treatment in reserve in case it does return. In my case, and with some Case Studies, melanoma has not returned, and if it does, I will have a wider range of options for treatment.

I was diagnosed at Stage 4 (unknown primary). Surgical removal and Gamma radiation at surgery. No followup treatment also, only regular CT scans at first. Studies have shown that surgical removal can arrest or lead to long-term NED. I have been NED for about 6 years now. My oncologist (and I suspect yours) wanted to see if melanoma would recur first, prior to beginning any further treatment. And also determine how aggressive the melanoma was. Treatments can often bring about many other complications and stress on your system. Some indications are that treatment may not be as effective if melanoma returns post-treatment, therefore, they may like to hold treatment in reserve in case it does return. In my case, and with some Case Studies, melanoma has not returned, and if it does, I will have a wider range of options for treatment.

I was diagnosed at Stage 4 (unknown primary). Surgical removal and Gamma radiation at surgery. No followup treatment also, only regular CT scans at first. Studies have shown that surgical removal can arrest or lead to long-term NED. I have been NED for about 6 years now. My oncologist (and I suspect yours) wanted to see if melanoma would recur first, prior to beginning any further treatment. And also determine how aggressive the melanoma was. Treatments can often bring about many other complications and stress on your system. Some indications are that treatment may not be as effective if melanoma returns post-treatment, therefore, they may like to hold treatment in reserve in case it does return. In my case, and with some Case Studies, melanoma has not returned, and if it does, I will have a wider range of options for treatment.

Did they use the term "Acral Lentigimous Melanoma?   

What is acral lentiginous melanoma ?

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a form of melanoma characterised by its site of origin: palm, sole, or beneath the nail (subungual melanoma). It is more common on feet than on hands. It can arise de novo in normal-appearing skin, or it can develop within an existing melanocytic naevus (mole).

The tumor tissue should be checked for having the C-kit oncoprotein overexpression and if posittive the c-kit DNA mutation test should be done.  This is more likely to have C-kit than the BRAF DNA mutation.  If one knows the mutation then if there is a further spread one can be ready to jump on it.  The C-kit DNA muttion test can tae up to a month to be completed.  I have been on a C-kit targeted chemo drug for over 5 years now.

Did they use the term "Acral Lentigimous Melanoma?   

What is acral lentiginous melanoma ?

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a form of melanoma characterised by its site of origin: palm, sole, or beneath the nail (subungual melanoma). It is more common on feet than on hands. It can arise de novo in normal-appearing skin, or it can develop within an existing melanocytic naevus (mole).

The tumor tissue should be checked for having the C-kit oncoprotein overexpression and if posittive the c-kit DNA mutation test should be done.  This is more likely to have C-kit than the BRAF DNA mutation.  If one knows the mutation then if there is a further spread one can be ready to jump on it.  The C-kit DNA muttion test can tae up to a month to be completed.  I have been on a C-kit targeted chemo drug for over 5 years now.

Did they use the term "Acral Lentigimous Melanoma?   

What is acral lentiginous melanoma ?

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a form of melanoma characterised by its site of origin: palm, sole, or beneath the nail (subungual melanoma). It is more common on feet than on hands. It can arise de novo in normal-appearing skin, or it can develop within an existing melanocytic naevus (mole).

The tumor tissue should be checked for having the C-kit oncoprotein overexpression and if posittive the c-kit DNA mutation test should be done.  This is more likely to have C-kit than the BRAF DNA mutation.  If one knows the mutation then if there is a further spread one can be ready to jump on it.  The C-kit DNA muttion test can tae up to a month to be completed.  I have been on a C-kit targeted chemo drug for over 5 years now.