7 years Post Diagnosis - Melanoma On Surviving Breast Skin
Subject says it all really! I had this mole under my right breast (that was not removed) and didn't think too much of it but recently had my first "skin check" and they shaved it off and it turns out to be Melanoma in Situ. I'm thinking "ok no big deal - I'll get this removed etc.." but then it got me to wondering seeing as it's on my breast and that I have a history of breast cancer, is this something I should inform my oncologist about? Is this something I should be more concerned about? Anyone gone through this? I think it if wasn't on my breast, I'd be WAY less worried about it all.
Comments
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If it's melanoma, I would indeed inform my MO. I understand there are other drugs for melanoma now - think Jimmy Carter - although it is still a serious issue no matter where it is.
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Having two different cancers ought to get you a referral to a genetic counselor to discuss testing. There are genetic mutations that can raise one’s risk of various cancers, and if you know that you have one, you can do the appropriate screening and other precautions.
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Hi uknckate, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,
We're so very sorry you're here and worrying, but we're glad you've found us. As you can already see, you're sure to get great support here!
As others have mentioned, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor about your past medical history, including any breast cancer diagnosis as many cancers can be related. As Shetlandpony points out, there may even be a genetic component that might be worth looking into.
Please keep us posted with what you find out!
--The Mods
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I am sorry you are dealing with this. Definitely let your MO know Even though it is in situ, when my DH had melanoma, they did a wide reexcision to be sure to have HUGE margins. Because of your BC history, definitely let your medical oncologist know and as others have suggested, look into genetic testing. It is likely rotten luck, but it is best to know. Keep us posted on what they decide to do and thank you for sharing your story which is a good reminder to all to get skin checks at a dermatologist annually.
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There is no deal that once you get one cancer, you have paid your dues. And they are not always related. But do get it checked out. We look for correlations to try to explain such unfortunate luck. But your odds of any cancer are often independent of previous dx. Often, but not always. Many are connected. In situ is great news. Let’s hope now you have paid your dues!
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Thanks everyone. I called my oncologist today and left a message. I guess I didn't really understand the difference between melanoma and Basel cell carcinoma so this is obviously a little more concerning.
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My order of diagnosis was the other way around--melanoma on my back (removed in 2017, and so far so good), then breast cancer in 2019.
I made sure all my medical providers know this--dermatologist, MO, RO, BS, endocrinologist, because the breast cancer was my second primary cancer.
So far it hasn't changed treatment options nor did I expect it to. It did, however, increase the importance of genetic testing. So I got tested -- no abnormalities for what they tested.
And yes, at this point melanoma is far scarier to me than breast cancer. It can be a sneaky fast growing evil thing so I definitely keep all check ups with my derm.
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