Advice

I had a melanoma in situ removed from my right cheek in April of 05 and I had it removed by a plastic surgeon on the advice of my dermatologist. It recurred in August 06 and then I had Mohs surgery by a different doctor and had three days of slow Mohs  and the path reports came back atypical mole.  I go every three months for checks.  In january I started having soreness in the right side of my neck and my gynocologist had me have a CT scan of the soft tissue of the neck and chest as I was there for my yearly check up. There were two lymph nodes on the right side of my neckthat were borderlline in size. He thought that I should go to Duke University to have them follow up on this.  I had all my dermatologic records faxed to them and am in the process of following up to try to see someone there. TheCT scan recommended that a follow up would be in order in three months as it was probably too early to have a PET scan.  I have talked to a surgical oncologist about looking at my case and they said that I didnt need their services and another person will contact me to help me. My husband wants me  to go to Duke and have someone there follow up with another scan. Are we over reacting? I am still sore and can not contribute the soreness to injury or infection as I am a very healthy person. When I stand up and my skeleton relaxex it pulls on this area and it hurts. I am not in pain all day but it is a soreness that i have never experienced before Has anyone had a similar experience? What would you do?scottp

I am by no means and expert - however it has been my experiance that when dealing with cancer the earlier you find it the better your outcome.  Having said that - there is no such thing as over reacting.  Keep insisting on what ever procedure satisfies your needs. 

I agree. I would say that when it comes to cancer, overreacting is much better then underreacting.  Insist on doing whatever puts your mind at ease.

I agree with the other responses, pursue it!  In the PA area, there is a clinic affiliated with the Hospital of the University of Penn. that just deals with pigmented lesions such as melanoma and dysplastic nevi.  It is called the "Pigmented Lesion Clinic"  They also do research.  But my point is that they have specialists that deal just in this type of cancer and precancer.  You need to find a specialist within the hospital or another hospital that deals with melanoma and dysplastic nevi of the skin as all cancers are not the same.  Best of luck!

Thanks so much for this specific information. I will pursue the Pigmented Leision Clinic idea.  I am supposed to talk to someone at Duke University on Monday. l will ask if they have this type clinic. I heard from Surgical Oncology at Duke last week after they looked at my dermatologic records  and they are going to help me get hooked up with the proper area to have a follow-up scan or whatever I need to do. I will ask if they have this type clinic.  scottp

When my husband began feeling the 'soreness' in his neck (after having a mole removed from his back), the suggested a FNA (fine needle aspiration) to biopsy his lymph fluid.  Have you asked if they can do an FNA on the lymph nodes in question?  He had an FNA done by just 'feeling' the node as it was visible - or at least you could feel it's size if you were to press on his neck.  He had another one done with the help of an ultrasound, to help guide the needle.

I don't know the details of your situation or if this is even an option, but I would definitely ask.

Blessings,

Rhonda Sparks

www.uvskinz.com

 

 

Rhonda,

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate the information. I don't know if that will be an option. I missed a call from Duke yesterday as the medical oncologist now has my records and I am waiting to hear from that office to see who they think should follow up on my situation. I will keep this information in mind.  What was the outcome of your husband's biopsies? Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Scottp