Has anyone ever dealt with a melanoma?

[nytemare]

I noticed a large 1/2 inch mole on my back today with uneven edges, different colors, etc.

I am calling to make an appt tomorrow, I am just wondering what to expect.

Thanks.

:hi:

[Connonym]

1. my ex had one on his chest

they'll likely want to remove it ASAP. That will differ based on how deep the lesion is. My ex's was malignant melanoma but he didn't need chemo or anything. They'll likely want you to undergo regular skin exams. Good luck :hug: hope it turns out to be just a regular mole.

[nytemare]

2. Thanks!

It could be a regular mole, but it looks funny. It is on the back of my shoulder, and I just happened to see it in the mirror. I don't remember seeing it before.

I hope it is just a goofy mole.

:hi:

[KitchenWitch]

3. 48 years ago my grandmother died of it

other than that, I have had no exposure to it.

[nytemare]

4. Hope your migraine gets better..

Those things are awful.

[KitchenWitch]

5. I will sleep it off

When it cools down enough here to go to sleep (still in the high 80s outside).

[Connonym]

6. sorry about your headache but damn you about your weather!

We had a hint of summer last week and now it's down to 40 and supposed to snow tomorrow. Don't you just miss the hell out of the midwest? Rest well.

[KitchenWitch]

7. Actually I do.

I would happily have 40 degree weather right now.

I am melting.

[badgerpup]

8. Ooh, oh, I know this one...(BTDT)

They'll remove it. The only part that will hurt will be the novocaine shot they give you to numb the area...and that just stings a bit.
I do mean just 'stings a bit'...not the British euphemism for "Hurts like a mofo".

You'll have to wait for the biopsy, and the takes a few days.
If it's just a goofy mole, they'll tell you it's a goofy mole. Meanwhile, you can look forward to itching while it heals. That will be the most uncomfortable part after the first three days or so. They'll tell you what to do about 'wound care'.

If it's not a 'goofy mole' (mine wasn't, was on the face), then they'll tell you that, too. They'll take out a larger segment, and biopsy that to make sure they got all the malignant cells. If necessary, they'll stitch the wound.
(I've asked about this part, since my surgery was up by my eye and I thought I'd end up with a HUGE scar or a divot in my face. I didn't).

They usually get it all out at the first go. Rarely do they have to have a second one.

They'll biopsy that sample too...and let you know.
Meanwhile, you do rinse and repeat on the wound care.

Best of luck to you...and hope it's just a goofy mole. :hi:

[nytemare]

9. Thanks badgerpup!

Sounds like they did a good job on yours, since you have no scar. Glad to hear that.

[driver8]

10. I hope it's a goofy mole, too!!

I had one removed from my back...it was benign.

My mother-in-law had one on her leg...it was malignant. She went through a year of interferon treatments and is fine, now.

Keep us posted!!