CancerCompass message board discussion started by Lnelso01 on 9/29/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,7059,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hello, My Dad was just diagnosed w/ his 2nd melanoma. This time it's malignant metastatic superificial spreading melanoma. It's on the top of his head, spreading rapidly w/ multiple sites. The primary tumor depth is 2.01, there is satellite metastatis to skin and subcutaneous tissue. The original biopsy reveals lymphatic involvement. He is headed in for a CT, PET and chest x-ray this coming week. The tests will tell more, but I don't understand as much as I want to understand. We just got through my husband's stage IIa diagnosis and treatment and he is doing well. However, we never had a path report that was like my dad's. So I need some help. This is what I would like to know- 1) Based on this info could he still be stage 3 or is he already stage 4? 2) Anyone here have the moh's surgery on the head that had a similar diagnosis? How bad is recovery? This would be his 2nd Moh's surgery, first was for a basal tumor the size of a baseball. Very disfiguring surgery, and I don't know how much tissue he has left for good margins, plus the pain of the skin graphs is so hard. 3)Anyone have experience w/ UCSF's melanoma center? My parents will be seeking treatment there. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide. Kindly, Laura N. Lnelso01 Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT HI. I am so sorry to hear of your dads diagnosis. I was diagnosed in March 2006 with Metastic Melanoma that had spread to the lymph nodes in my groin. I've had two surgeries to take out the Melanoma and nodes. I too, am currently undergoing these very same tests. I was told that right now, I was at stage III. Even though, it had spread to my nodes. The concern is wether or not, it has spread to any other organs. If, it has, I was told, it would be considered stage IV. I know that your dads situation is different than mine. This is all new to me. I wanted to know more than what I was being told by the Dr.s, so, I started searching for info on Metastic Melanoma. I'm scared...really, from all that I have read. I was told that I should take the 1 year interferon treatments. My test results won't be in until Oct. 23. I hope that you can find answers to your questions as well. I will pray for your dad and family. God be with you. Becky. Summerbead Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT HI. I am so sorry to hear of your dads diagnosis. I was diagnosed in March 2006 with Metastic Melanoma that had spread to the lymph nodes in my groin. I've had two surgeries to take out the Melanoma and nodes. I too, am currently undergoing these very same tests. I was told that right now, I was at stage III. Even though, it had spread to my nodes. The concern is wether or not, it has spread to any other organs. If, it has, I was told, it would be considered stage IV. I know that your dads situation is different than mine. This is all new to me. I wanted to know more than what I was being told by the Dr.s, so, I started searching for info on Metastic Melanoma. I'm scared...really, from all that I have read. I was told that I should take the 1 year interferon treatments. My test results won't be in until Oct. 23. I hope that you can find answers to your questions as well. I will pray for your dad and family. God be with you. Becky. Summerbead Fri, 06 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT Hi my dad has malignant melanoma and it spread to one lymph node all was removed . The PET scan came back ok, but I am still confused: did interferon work for you? He is 71 and the clark level was 4 is that the same as the stage? It seems somewhat similar to yours any suggestions?     Thanks 1234m2 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT  On 3/6/2007 1234m2 wrote:Hi my dad has malignant melanoma and it spread to one lymph node all was removed . The PET scan came back ok, but I am still confused: did interferon work for you? He is 71 and the clark level was 4 is that the same as the stage? It seems somewhat similar to yours any suggestions?     ThanksClarks level refers to the level of invasion into the skin.  Level 4 is the deepest and therefore carries the worst prognosis.  It is not the same as stage.  With LN involvement he would be stage 3 and would probably need surgery to remove the melanoma and nodes and probably interferon. Oncrx Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT My dad did have melanoma removed and one lymph node. The PET scan was fine and the doctor said a 5 yr survival rate. He suggested Interferon and removal of the lymph nodes. Why -if no more cancer is present and does Inteferon really work, someone said it will only better your chances 10%. My question, is it worth it? My dad is 71 years old. Any suggestions. I feel overwhelmed with all the info on the internet.                                                   Thanks                       1234m2 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT