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Diagnosed Melanoma On Forearms. Sentinel Node Biopsy Negative. Opinions About The Value Of Mole-mapping?
Question: Hi I'm a physician myself. I diagnosed a melanoma on my forearm several months ago - it was in a nevus which changed. Fortunately it was <1mm thick at diagnosis, with no ulceration or lymphovascular infiltration. Nonetheless the mitotic rate was 1 and so I had a sentinel node biopsy - which, fortunately, also turned out to be negative. Obviously this is all anxiety-provoking. I am due for review by surgeon and dermatologist every 6 months. Do you have any opinions about the value of mole-mapping? Are they any better than monthly self-exam? Change isn't so easy to see. Nonetheless, I know there is controversy about mole-mapping. Is there anything else I should be doing at this point?
Hello sir,
Thanks for the query.
According to literature daily self examination is much better method. However in my view even mole mapping is the same thing with a better record keeping. Another point is that you have a history of schawnoma, although unrelated but you must be knowing, any tumor is a risk factor for development of other tumors too. I would recommend mole mapping for you.
I would also like to advice you a whole body PET scan. You must be thinking it is unnecessary, but in my practice I have seen few cases where melanoma even after complete resection presented as metastasis, detected on PET.
Let me know if you have any other doubts. I would try my level best to help you. Thank you
Thanks for the query.
According to literature daily self examination is much better method. However in my view even mole mapping is the same thing with a better record keeping. Another point is that you have a history of schawnoma, although unrelated but you must be knowing, any tumor is a risk factor for development of other tumors too. I would recommend mole mapping for you.
I would also like to advice you a whole body PET scan. You must be thinking it is unnecessary, but in my practice I have seen few cases where melanoma even after complete resection presented as metastasis, detected on PET.
Let me know if you have any other doubts. I would try my level best to help you. Thank you
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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