Melanoma follow up

[WonderingAB]

Recently, had three colored areas biopsied. 1 was malignant melanoma, in situ ( I beleive this is stage 0). anyway, another procedure was done to remove the area; post surgery report indicated the margins were clear.
I have been told that I need to be checked every three months and to be aware of changes to any other moles or colored areas on the skin.
My question; is this enough? I was told by another doctor that some folks go to melanoma centers and they have more advanced ways to monitor the skin. Any thoughts on this idea? I, of course, want to do the prudent thing that will insure the best possible results. Thank you in advance.

[WonderingAB]

Thanks, good idea.I hah heard about the full body pictures that are available at  melanoma centers and will check it out. A post removal visit to the dermotologist resulted in two more scrappings being taken; awaiting results now. Dr said he weas just being careful. Thanks for your response....

[DenGio]

I too was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2006 - a growth that my primary doctor was not concerned about! I'm so glad I forced the dermatology referral. I had check ups every three months until recently - graduated to six months however was called in to have full body pictures taken as a way to keep better track of any changes. You might check into it.
Take care!

[WonderingAB]

Yes, makes sense. I will discuss further with the Dr. Like you, just trying to be prudent and reasonable.......Thank you..

[ea_poe]

Hi,

For me, I based my decision on how bad the case was. We caught it very early, and I was assured it didn't have a chance to spread. Like you, the surgery went well and everything was clear. So, I have been doing the check-ups and didn't do anything further. 3 months for a year, then 6 months, and now I'm going annually. Been 3 years now and no new risks.

For you, I'd really just consider what you'd feel safer with. If you had a higher risk or if maybe you'd be anxious or dwelling on it (which I can totally understand) and it's in your means, do the center.

Either way, glad the removal was successful.

poe

[WonderingAB]

Thanks, its encouraging to hear from folks like you.I'm still thinking about the melanoma center and a full mapping; I'll probably call a center and see what they can offer at least...
Thansk again.

[WonderingAB]

Yes, I'm thinking along the same lines. Only makes sense to do everything reasonably. Thanks for your comments....

[ChitChatNine]

Good ? as I am in the same boat as you.  I have a history 11 yrs long of very atypical moles and one was Melanoma in-situ like yours and removed to the margin clear.

I go ev. 3mos also and they recently removed 2 more small moles that started to show irregular borders and they were only mildly atypical.

If anybody has an answer the question is a good one for certain!

C~

[Pum]

I'm not sure who can really advise you best on this.
If it was me, I'd do everything possible to make sure anything in the future is also removed at stage 0, and if that means a full body map or specialist centre I'd do it.
Good work on catching your melanoma so early.