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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Melanoma and BCC
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Melanoma and BCC
by G8r4evr, Dec 18, 2006 12:00AM
Hi!
I am a 27 year old female in Florida. I went in to have a sore on my back that wouldnt healchecked and the RNP gave me a preliminary diagnosis of BCC. I had my biopsy on Wednesday and they say the results wont be available until the 27th. What worrieds me is that the RNP was so sure of BCC in the consultation, but after doing the biopsy, she seemed a little less sure. She said that it was "fairly" thin and we would just have to wait for the results and go from there. She then mentioned that it could possibly be Squamous cell, but no mention of melanoma. I cant help but wonder if she didnt mention melanoma outloud so as to not frighten me. I know the sore had been there at least 2 years, but probably more, but I never went to the Dr as I really thought that you had to have an excessive amount of exposure to the sun to develop skin cancer. The sore is on my upper back and just kept scabbing over without healing. It never really bothered me other than itching on occasion and it was red with jagged edges. I have a few concerns. What is the likelihood that an initial diagnosis (with the naked eye) of BCC could actually be Superficial Spreading Melanoma? In relaity, are they similar in appearance? I have looked at hundreds of cases on the internet and the sore on my back very much resembles pictures I have found of both BCC and superficial spreading melanoma. Also, I keep reading that typically melanoma first spreads to the lymph nodes. What are some signs that might alert you that cancer may have invaded the lymph nodes. I ask because my underarms (mainly the right) has been tender off and on for the last few months and I am seriously starting to panic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am a 27 year old female in Florida. I went in to have a sore on my back that wouldnt healchecked and the RNP gave me a preliminary diagnosis of BCC. I had my biopsy on Wednesday and they say the results wont be available until the 27th. What worrieds me is that the RNP was so sure of BCC in the consultation, but after doing the biopsy, she seemed a little less sure. She said that it was "fairly" thin and we would just have to wait for the results and go from there. She then mentioned that it could possibly be Squamous cell, but no mention of melanoma. I cant help but wonder if she didnt mention melanoma outloud so as to not frighten me. I know the sore had been there at least 2 years, but probably more, but I never went to the Dr as I really thought that you had to have an excessive amount of exposure to the sun to develop skin cancer. The sore is on my upper back and just kept scabbing over without healing. It never really bothered me other than itching on occasion and it was red with jagged edges. I have a few concerns. What is the likelihood that an initial diagnosis (with the naked eye) of BCC could actually be Superficial Spreading Melanoma? In relaity, are they similar in appearance? I have looked at hundreds of cases on the internet and the sore on my back very much resembles pictures I have found of both BCC and superficial spreading melanoma. Also, I keep reading that typically melanoma first spreads to the lymph nodes. What are some signs that might alert you that cancer may have invaded the lymph nodes. I ask because my underarms (mainly the right) has been tender off and on for the last few months and I am seriously starting to panic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 19, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 19, 2006 12:00AM
I think you're worrying far too much about something which will be clarified soon anyway. In general, basal cell looks nothing like superficial spreading melanoma. Also, melanoma presents as a growing spot, not as a sore that doesn't heal. Also, melanoma doesn't spread to the lymph nodes for a long time if at all. You're worrying yourself into a tizzy, and you really don't need to.
As I've told other people on this forum, my skin pathologist reads slides the next day, so I see no reason for you to stew on this till the 27th. I suggest you call the Nurse Practitioner, tell her your fears, and ask that she get the results to you ASAP, before Christmas, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
As I've told other people on this forum, my skin pathologist reads slides the next day, so I see no reason for you to stew on this till the 27th. I suggest you call the Nurse Practitioner, tell her your fears, and ask that she get the results to you ASAP, before Christmas, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Dr. Rockoff