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Timing between biopsy and surgery
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Timing between biopsy and surgery

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Timing between biopsy and surgery

  • Post
    • September 2, 2011 at 2:36 pm
    Shimian
    Participant

      My father's deep primary (4mm) on his feet was surgically removed in early 2009. We recently noticed a few  little dark new spots not far from his primary. The dermitoglist did a punch biopsy on one of the spots in Mid Aug 2011 and the result shows Melanoma InSuit (less than 1mm). We like to surgically remove those reoccured spots asap.

      My father's deep primary (4mm) on his feet was surgically removed in early 2009. We recently noticed a few  little dark new spots not far from his primary. The dermitoglist did a punch biopsy on one of the spots in Mid Aug 2011 and the result shows Melanoma InSuit (less than 1mm). We like to surgically remove those reoccured spots asap. But owing to scheduling and other complicating factors, the doctors can't perform the surgery until a few months after the biopsy. And the doctors say it is OK to leave the Melanoma Insuit for a few months as those spots are not invasive. We suspect doctors' rationale (or excuse?) and are concerned about the long lead time between biopsy date and surgery date.

      Nomarlly how soon shall the surgery be performed after bad biopsy result? What is the max time surgery should be done after the biopsy? Not sure if the biopsy would stimulate the melanoma growing into more advanced stage in a few months. The doctors dismissed our concerns. But I like to check with your guys on the forum.

      Appreciate if you can share with us your thoughts and experieces.

       

    Viewing 7 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 2, 2011 at 3:04 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          The basic standards I have seen are surgery within 90 days.  That's typically the thought between a new primary and the WLE.   This appears to be a local recurrence, though, and I'd want this taken care of more quickly if possible.   I'd consider asking about being on a cancellation list?  Or maybe consider another surgeon?  You'd want to get some larger margins around any residual melanoma so this doesn't happen again.  If there are multiple spots, I'd want large margins around everything. 

          Best wishes,

          Janner

          • September 2, 2011 at 3:04 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            The basic standards I have seen are surgery within 90 days.  That's typically the thought between a new primary and the WLE.   This appears to be a local recurrence, though, and I'd want this taken care of more quickly if possible.   I'd consider asking about being on a cancellation list?  Or maybe consider another surgeon?  You'd want to get some larger margins around any residual melanoma so this doesn't happen again.  If there are multiple spots, I'd want large margins around everything. 

            Best wishes,

            Janner

            • September 2, 2011 at 9:41 pm
            JerryfromFauq
            Participant

              Been thinking about you and your Father.   Wanted an update, but hoped for one with no relapse.  I would not like to wait over 30 days for a removal, but know that a longer period often occurs.  I am lucky that I have a great person as my Melanoma surgeon and he gets me in quickly when I ask him.  I have never had to wait more than 30 days for any removal of a tumor that I requested by him.  One can never be sure what melanoma will do, Several months may be fine, but again no one knows for sure!  Good luck to Dad and his daughter too.  Keep us informed as to what happens and what is learned.

              • September 2, 2011 at 9:41 pm
              JerryfromFauq
              Participant

                Been thinking about you and your Father.   Wanted an update, but hoped for one with no relapse.  I would not like to wait over 30 days for a removal, but know that a longer period often occurs.  I am lucky that I have a great person as my Melanoma surgeon and he gets me in quickly when I ask him.  I have never had to wait more than 30 days for any removal of a tumor that I requested by him.  One can never be sure what melanoma will do, Several months may be fine, but again no one knows for sure!  Good luck to Dad and his daughter too.  Keep us informed as to what happens and what is learned.

                • September 3, 2011 at 1:05 am
                ellen – dads daughter
                Participant

                  Hi there,

                  Haven't posted in a while, but your situation is somewhat similar to my father's.  I agree with others that you should get this taken care of earlier rather than later.  Just because one of the spots is in situ does not mean they all are.  Also, just because something is in situ now doesn't mean that it will be that way forever.  

                  Best wishes to you and your father!

                  • September 3, 2011 at 1:05 am
                  ellen – dads daughter
                  Participant

                    Hi there,

                    Haven't posted in a while, but your situation is somewhat similar to my father's.  I agree with others that you should get this taken care of earlier rather than later.  Just because one of the spots is in situ does not mean they all are.  Also, just because something is in situ now doesn't mean that it will be that way forever.  

                    Best wishes to you and your father!

                    • September 3, 2011 at 7:31 am
                    JerryfromFauq
                    Participant

                      I don't remembr your father's C-kit status test results.  I cannot find in the Archives your older posts where we talked .  If he is c-kit positive you may be  interested in this.

                      http://www.asco.org/ascov2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=65&abstractID=32579

                      • September 3, 2011 at 7:31 am
                      JerryfromFauq
                      Participant

                        I don't remembr your father's C-kit status test results.  I cannot find in the Archives your older posts where we talked .  If he is c-kit positive you may be  interested in this.

                        http://www.asco.org/ascov2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=65&abstractID=32579

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