Melissa Wilson, PA-C, MPAS, Melanoma Lead with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and AIM at Melanoma Foundation’s medical expert, explores everything you need to know - from melanoma screening and prevention, how to handle a melanoma diagnosis, understanding one’s treatment options, and far, far more - all brought to you by AIM at Melanoma Foundation.
A natural trailblazer, Wilson is proud of her collaborative work as an NCCPA-certified physician assistant senior since 2005 with the distinguished melanoma specialist Dr. John Kirkwood at the University of Pittsburgh in the Cancer Institute Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine. Their treatment and research initiatives were so successful that they have been used as a template for other cancer programs throughout the country. Wilson works as lead physician assistant for the Melanoma Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
Hi, I had 3 biopsies done a couple of weeks ago. My upper mid scalp is Malignant melanoma. There's a lot I don't understand about the pathology report. A few diagnoses facts: Level of invasion: At least IV. Greatest Thickness: At least 1.83 mm. TILS- Brisk and Pathologic Stage: pT2b Nx Mx and there is ulceration present. I had 3 more done last week and am going to my Dermatologist this week for a treatment plan. Any input would be great.
This is so helpful in understanding the 4 categories of adjuvent treatment options (PD1s, BRAF inhibitors, CTL or active surveillance). Many thanks for the clarity and transparency, also on the summary of side effects to expect in case of therapy!
I had My first surgery that included My lymph nodes under My arm removed in 2017. I have since then had several surgeries and My Oncologist and Dermatologist have said I need more than 2 dozen surgeries and that's just the beginning. I don't have good insurance and can't afford to fight it anymore. I've had one biopsy that was Melanoma positive in 2019 and haven't had any surgery to remove it. I did tanning beds before any rules were in place and I did that for 20+ years. And I grew up in California and We never used sunscreens growing up. Even if I had all the surgeries, I don't believe I'd win the battle. So, I've accepted My fate thanks to our medical system. None of My Doctor's have offered Clinical trials, which might save My life because I don't have the money to fight it. Any thoughts appreciated.
Sounds good, but that has not been my personal experience. In 2012 had a clear margin cut and skin taken from elsewhere, only for the melona in situ to come back in the same spot 5 yrs later. The second deep cut did not work either in 2018. Lesions appear to improve with things that target my immune system, rather than cutting deep holes in my face.
Instead of using the word atypical, which isn’t a word that everybody uses in my world why don’t you just call it not normal. What is so hard about saying not normal. I mean the medical community is already complicating as it is why do y’all have to use terms that nobody understands?
Diagnosis: MALIGNANT MELANOMA, INVASIVE TO A BRESLOW DEPTH OF 0.5 MM. Sections show a malignant proliferation of melanocytes with confluent juntional growth and dermal cytologic atypia.Precursor nevus: intradermal nevus is present this was cut out on 8/16/2022 the derm said I had stage 1
So I just had one removed. But they want to go in and get more out because it could have a “root”. Does that mean that it could be at a different stage?
Doesn't sound right. Moh's Surgery cuts around it and then immediately stains it to make sure ALL borders around the tumor are clear of any melanoma cells. The staining process takes about 2 hours. Meanwhile they cover the wound and you wait until word comes letting you know they didn't get it all and need to cut more, or they found no melanoma cells and now all you need is to be stitched up. For them to say it could have root and not know sounds fishy and very unprofessional to me.
Yes, all cells in the body have the BRAF gene. The BRAF gene is located on chromosome seven and encodes the B-Raf protein, which regulates cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation. When the BRAF gene is working properly, it's an important part of how cells function. However, a faulty BRAF gene, also known as a mutation, can work against the body and allow some cancers to grow- melanoma is the most common cancer where the BRAF mutations are found.
No it is not a "death sentence" - please contact Melissa directly to discuss what Stage III melanoma is, the treatment options and any other questions you have. www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/
A skin biopsy on the head, such as a scalp biopsy, is not very painful. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic into the skin with a small needle, which may cause a slight prick and stinging sensation. The area may also burn briefly for about 10 seconds after the freezing medication is applied, similar to getting a tooth frozen at the dentist. After that, you shouldn't feel any pain during the biopsy. However, you may experience mild discomfort, such as pressure in the area, during a core needle biopsy.
A BRAF mutation in melanoma is a spontaneous change in the BRAF gene that causes it to function incorrectly. This can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which can cause melanoma to grow faster. BRAF mutations can be caused by environmental factors or errors during cell division. Around 50% of melanomas have an acquired BRAF mutation, which means it develops after birth. Acquired changes are usually not passed down to children because they don't occur in sperm or egg cells. People can also inherit a BRAF mutation from their biological parents, but this is very rare and can cause serious health issues.
I just had a atypical mole removed from my shoulder. First they did the punch biopsy and 3 stitches. Then went in to get those stitches removed. Dr read me the results of that pathology report and they did an excision which resulted in 24 stitches total 12 or so under the skin and then 12 on top of my shoulder. I get the stitches out next Monday and it is healing nicely. I will say this. Please know when you go in to get the biopsy and or excision. They numb you up with lidocane and some other stuff. they will use a cauterization tool to stop any bleeding. The smell is not a pleasant one and also what they dont tell you is after the fact your pain meds wear off. You are gonna hurt. Take a tylenol before that wears off. Ice will also help with inflammation as the site will swell naturally and bruising will be present. I hope that is all for me I try to keep covered and or wear sunscreen when I am outside. This mole was probably from before I was so conscious about wearing sunscreen. Doc told me I will have checks in 3 mos then in 6 then a year.
My mom just got diagnosed with melanoma today. They just did a biopsy last week. I guess now we have to see the surgeon. I am absolutely terrified. My mom is my best friend and the whole world. I never knew this would happen. I hope the surgeon says everything is going to be okay I am so scared
Please reach out to me and I can help you understand her pathology report and staging. www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/
I like the way you explain things in layman's terms. A lot of the videos on youtube are long and boring and just about put you to sleep! Thanks for the information needed :)
Thank you for making this video! Its great to learn more about the advancements in personalized cancer vaccines. I'm surprised no mention of Gritstone Bio with their landmark reading out this year. Care to opine on their Granite program and /heterologous prime/boost approach?
I did a treatment plan of Interferon plus for Hepatitis C some years ago now. It was a needle in the belly once a week and a handful of tablets daily, it nearly killed me by such anemic blood and depression that I only got through 6 months of the twelve. My Hepatitis was gone for 9 months but came back as though untouched. Three years later I tried the new treatment of just tablets for 12 weeks and to this day I am Hep C free. Thank you to all those doctors and scientist working on these treatments to cure our ails.
I appreciate the effort to make the video, but it explains very little. However, it did lead me to be able to ask more questions, so thank you, as that is the most important part of education.
My grandmother just had a biopsy on her heel showing she has melanoma. The black spot is about the size of a nickel with further discoloration going towards the bottom of the heel. She was told she will be recieving surgery first to remove the melanoma and then will receive a diagnosis on the stage. Is this normal?
Yes surgery comes first - you can read more about melanoma staging here: www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-101/how-melanoma-is-diagnosed/melanoma-staging/ please reach out via our website with any questions and we can help you.
Donna, it would be easier for you to contact me to discuss. Please reach out to me at our helpline here: www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/
I've the same but just 2 at the moment, a genetic test would be suggested to see if there's a gene mutation. Also, it might be worth re-analyze the skin by another lab/expert to get a second opinion cause stage0 is very border line and pathologist have different opinions when looking at microscope. Good luck :) From Italy
I had one on my chest for years. One day my wife said it's getting bigger and a bit irregular. I went to the dermatologist who biopsied it. I got a call a week later. "It's a severely dysplastic Nevis. It's not cancerous, but you need to have it removed. NOW" I'll never forget the "NOW" part. I now have a 2" scar under my left nipple. Inside of 3 months, I had 3 tumors removed. All of different typed and locations. I have a fourth to be removed soon. I guess I'm prone (FAP) as I had 14" of my colon removed due to polyps also.
Jen- please reach out to me and we talk about this- it's too involved for a comment without a conversation. www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/
