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Suggest Treatment When Diagnosed With Superficial Spreading Melanoma
Question: I have just been diagnosed with superfical spreading melanoma on my leg which was in situ. I've been told prognosis is very good. My question is ... I know I'm at greater risk for another but in terms of numbers is it like 1 in a 100; 10 out of a 100 or more like 50 out of 100? Also, if my skin was damaged by the sun, how does wearing sunscreen help me protect myself now?
Brief Answer:
Risk of second melanoma is 5%
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Approximately 5% of those who have been diagnosed with a melanoma will develop a second one at some point of time.
That translates to 1 in 20 risk Or 5 in 100 risk.
Being sun smart is always a good idea. A broad spectrum sunscreen would prevent further sun damage.
Moreover, watch your moles for any change and watch for "ugly duckling" i.e a mole that stands out different from others.
Regards
Risk of second melanoma is 5%
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Approximately 5% of those who have been diagnosed with a melanoma will develop a second one at some point of time.
That translates to 1 in 20 risk Or 5 in 100 risk.
Being sun smart is always a good idea. A broad spectrum sunscreen would prevent further sun damage.
Moreover, watch your moles for any change and watch for "ugly duckling" i.e a mole that stands out different from others.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
That said, if i have been diagnosed with superfical spreading melanoma (i know im at risk to get another) but what are the chances if i do get another one it being a different type i.e. Nodular or non pigmented etc
Brief Answer:
Chances of a particular type of second primary are the same as first tumor
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It is possible to develop a different type of second primary melanoma, however, chances of developing a particular type Or a different type (from first one) of second primary melanoma would be the same as they are with the first tumor/ melanoma.
Superficial spreading melanoma would still be the commonest type even if its a second primary tumor i.e in more than 70% of individuals (common sites being trunk, upper back and legs in females) followed by 20% of patients having nodular melanoma (common sites being trunk, legs and arms) followed by less common types like lentigo maligna melanoma (on chronically sun damaged skin of face, ears, arms and upper back) and acral lentiginous melanoma (the least common amongst whites; common sites are nail, palms and soles).
Regards
Chances of a particular type of second primary are the same as first tumor
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
It is possible to develop a different type of second primary melanoma, however, chances of developing a particular type Or a different type (from first one) of second primary melanoma would be the same as they are with the first tumor/ melanoma.
Superficial spreading melanoma would still be the commonest type even if its a second primary tumor i.e in more than 70% of individuals (common sites being trunk, upper back and legs in females) followed by 20% of patients having nodular melanoma (common sites being trunk, legs and arms) followed by less common types like lentigo maligna melanoma (on chronically sun damaged skin of face, ears, arms and upper back) and acral lentiginous melanoma (the least common amongst whites; common sites are nail, palms and soles).
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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