Am I A High Risk For Melanoma?

[D Tatum]

I am 28 and I am covered by hundreds of funny looking moles and I can

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

That is an excellent idea.  Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[D Tatum]

My previous Dermatoligist was in Arizona, I am in Utah now and I found out that there is a cancer institute in Salt Lake that does digital mole mapping and they also have a melanoma research clinic and a high risk melanoma risk study. I guess I am assuming that I would fit that profile. I am getting insurance soon so that is where I am headed.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You are at very high risk.  Two close relatives plus many moles equals extremely high risk.  You need to be checked very frequently.  This is not something to save money on.  If necessary, ask your doctor to consider moderating visit and biopsy fees in view of your lack of insurance.  The mole that was biopsied looked suspicious to the pathology but was not a melanoma.  If you have questions about biopsies, you need to speak to the doctor who performed the biopsy.

You owe it to yourself to be responsible in your won behalf.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff