I have been a lifetime sun abuser, but go to a dermatologist
frequently. Many pre-cancerous (or less) skin removed over the years.
About 8 months ago my dermatolgist identified a suspicious looking
non-raised dark brown spot, had it biopsied. It was Level One Melanoma,
she excised a large area of skin, had it rebiopsied and after the
second excision the second bipsy of the marginal skin came back (Thank
G-d) negative.
She (the dermatologist) insisted that I make an appointment with a
Pigment Center for (apparently) an even more comprehensive examination
of my skin. BTW "Pigment Centers" are usually under the auspices of
Oncology Departments (which is fine with me--the more trained eyes the
better).. I have made such an appointment and forwarded the Pigment
Center physician my Med/Path Reports and "slides".
Have any of you had experience with these comprehensive Oncology-type
physicians? Where do they fit in to future course of treatment in
connection with my Dermatolgist under bad case (if more suspicious or
actual Melanoma areas are found) or better case (if nothing severe is
found after my first Exam at the Pigment Center)? Do they preempt the
Dermatologist or do they prepare a comprehensive "roadmap" of my body
for her to watch out for in subsequent examinations (with the
Dermatologist only)?
I value their input but just am interested to see experiences/comments
about how this proceeds going forward (and yes of course I will also
ask the folks at the Pigment Center --they call it Pigment Center but
it is really a Melanoma Center which, again, is fine with me).
..
[Please forgive duplicate posing of this question--the other Board to
which I posted this was not nearly as on point as this one and I have
received zero responses. Thanks for any feedback to my question]