skin cancer?

Question

hey guys, i got diagnosed with a non-life threatening form of skin cancer (bcc) a month ago but since then i've been back to the doctors and they say i have suspected melonoma on my back and i have to have two moles removed in a few days and tested.
i'm so scared as my other moles on my tummy are showing similar symptoms which means it would have spread.
has anyone else been in a similar situation? or has any advice please?

Answer 1

First off relax. When they remove the moles they will check the area and see how deep the melanoma cells are. If your margins aren't clear that is when you worry. Hopefully nothing has spread - and your other abnormal moles mean nothing about how severe melanoma is. It matters if it is in other organs especially your lymph nodes.
Hope for the best. BTW they should mark your body (take pictures) of other moles to keep you in check - so nothing changes, report any changed or new mole to your MD.

I had treatment in Cleveland - and although it's still a part of my life, I am stable after years of treatments -
I know right now is the worst part. You hear cancer and think all the worst things. It's wise to ask questions and seek help.

Answer 2

The fact that you have other similar moles does not indicate that an original (possible) melanoma has spread. They don't spread from one location topically to another...that would be nice...the fact is if a melanoma advances to the point of metastasis it will spread via lymphatics or the blood stream to a more lethal location such as lung, liver or the brain. The up side is ( if there is one) that if caught early enough for a clean excision they are curable...IN THE EARLY STAGES. Vigilant surveilance by a competent dermatologist, use of sun screen, etc is your best bet. If a melanoma is allowed to advance to distant sites then you do have your figurative hands full...they are very difficult to treat succesfully. But don't get the cart before the horse here my friend, wait for the biopsy before you start looking for a parachute...not all lesions are melanomas. As for the other moles, it sounds that you just have that skin type that lends itself to solar damage and a genetic predisposition for moles. Hang tough! It may be nothing at all. Listen to your MD and do what he/she says. Good luck.

Answer 3

i had a mole removed 4 years ago,it was malignant melonoma,it hadnt spread though i had loads of tests and scans and i get checked every 3 months on the lymph glands ect,i another mole has now appeared(on my back again)which im having removed next week,fingers crossed this one is going to be ok ,im a very "moley"person anyway lol,and it doesnt mean every mole is cancer!try not to worry to much at the moment,i agree you should get some pics taken of the moles to see for change,i didnt know about the otherone on my back untill i went for my check up, good luck

Answer 4

It is called Melanoma, and it is nothing to joke about, and there is a clinic for Cancer patients that is the Best. I believe it is called the Moffit clinic. My sister in law went there, and they were great. The form of cancer that you might have is one of the most aggressive, and if left untreated you could possibly expire within six months. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 5

Looks like you're getting some really great advice. Just wanted say you can email me if you wanted to talk, and don't stress until its time. Heres to hoping everything checks out okay and all the worring was for nothing.