Melanoma Again

By nancy555

1 min read

Last updated: August 2021

I was first diagnosed in 1998. I had a small spot on my arm that was very itchy. My doctor said he didn't think it was anything but sent me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist also said it was nothing, but agreed to biopsy it. Melanoma stage 1a, Clarks Level III. I am a high-risk patient because of the many moles that I have.

Since then, I have had 8 more melanomas, 1 basal cell, and the start of a squamous cell. Luckily, all were stage 0, 1a, or 1b. I consider myself very lucky and am grateful to my doctors for finding them early. Stay safe and be proactive with your health.

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muble15
Is it really itchy that you cant bear but to scratch it or just a bit itchy? I just realized that i got a new mole, a really tiny one like 1mm, a little bit elevated, and a little bit itchy. I took a picture of it, zoom in, and just figured out that it has uneven border and color. Should i worry about this? 
1. muble15
 <inline-mention username="April Pulliam" user-id="2086092"/> yes i'm really aware on my moles, since i have so many of it and got family history of cancer. I always count it and examine the shape and color for years. I just bought a new camera just to self re-examine my moles. I will update you if i found any suspicious. Thanks for your support
2. April Pulliam Moderator
 <inline-mention username="muble15" user-id="4232008"/> ...I am so glad you are so diligent with your self-exams. Using a camera is a great way to document and keep your doctor updated on any changes! Best of luck to you! April, <a href='http://SkinCancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>SkinCancer.net</a>, Moderator
nancy555
That first one was very itchy, but the others were not. My basal cell was also very itchy. The first Melanoma looked like a grain of coffee. If you are concerned, it is always best to see a dermatologist. Good Luck.
1. Scott Matheny Moderator
 Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I agree that it's good to see the doctor when you are not sure. Scott <a href='http://skincancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>skincancer.net</a> team member
muble15
it is really small that im not sure i need to worry or not, i feel like im a little bit over reacting since its only 1mm, but at the same time i dont want to be ignorant since many women in my family got cancer (breast and lung, not skin) and i think i need to be aware of any kind of cancer. You know how it feels, right? 😅
1. nancy555
 <inline-mention username="muble15" user-id="4232008"/> You seem to be very worried. You might want to ease your anxiety by having it checked out. Better to err on the side of caution. Caught early, skin cancer is very treatable. I had my first one over twenty years ago and my last one four months ago. Good Luck.
2. Scott Matheny Moderator
 I concur that when in doubt, get it checked out. Thanks for your thoughts. Scott <a href='http://skincancer.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>skincancer.net</a> team member
Steve C
It took me four doctors to have my first melanoma correctly diagnosed and that is three too many in my opinion. It blows my mind that you often have to insist on a biopsy - these people are supposed to know this kind of thing, especially these days where skin cancer is so much more in the public consciousness than, say, in the '70s.
1. Julie.Byers Admin
 <inline-mention username="Steve C" user-id="4236272"/> oh wow, 4 doctors?! That does seem a bit mind blowing. I'm glad you stayed persistent and finally got the correct diagnosis. How have you been doing lately? -Julie (team member)
nancy555
My first melanoma, my primary doctor said he didn't think it was anything, but sent me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist said the same thing, but biopsied it anyway. You have to be in charge. Good luck all.
1. Julie.Byers Admin
 <inline-mention username="nancy555" user-id="2100166"/> we are certainly our own best advocates when it comes to our health! I hope you have been doing well. Best wishes, Julie (team member)

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