Question 1

what is the definition or description of: pet-ct melanoma diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Staging examination: Pet-ct is used in the staging of biopsy proven malignancy, or in suspected malignancy where biopsy may be dangerous.  Most melanomas are diagnosed by discovery of a cutaneous lesion.  Pet-ct is used to determine the extent of regional disease, the presence or absence of lymph node involvement, and the presence or absence of metastases (tumors in distant organs).

Question 2

why can't my dr. find the source of the melanoma? i've had numerous pet and cat scans.

Accepted Answer

Source?: I'm not sure what you mean. Melanoma is usually diagnosed on the skin...And the source is the skin.  From your question, it sounds like it spread and must have been detected in an organ or bone or brain.  Ct scans and pet scans are helful at following the disease but not perfect and can miss many small tumors.

Question 3

is it possible for a pet scan detect melanoma in the eye?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: It is sometimes possible, depending on a few things - if the melanoma is large enough and if the malignant lesion is metabolically active.  Pet scans work by detecting cells that take up more glucose and are more metabolically active than normal cells.  

Unfortunately, if the melanoma is small, the pet scan can't always pick it up (at least on today's pet scanners).

Question 4

is a pet-ct really necessary every 3 years for 0.3mm melanoma. i had a pet-ct 3 years ago that showed no sign of decease after 11 years?

Accepted Answer

It's your call: Melanoma is infamous for recurring late, as you know, though the risk from a thin melanoma is low. It's a matter of weighing the inconvenience against the ongoing confidence that you seem tumor-free. This is probably the protocol, but it's ultimately your decision.

Question 5

pet scan 3-4mm, suv value of 1, no further evidence of disease, before surgery melanoma 0.8 mm negative sln, blood samples normal, no other signs

Accepted Answer

Location?: Where is the positive site of activity on the pet scan? Is it in a site that could be easily biopsied?  Could be unrelated to the melanoma.

Question 6

my husband has a melanoma on the right side of his stomach. blood work, x-ray and pet scan are normal. does that mean it is not nessery for a node biopsy?

Accepted Answer

It depends/excision.: It really depends on whether or not you have palpable/feelable lymph nodes on his physical exam.  If not, i don't think lymph node bioopsy is needed.  However, the melanoma itself should be removed with wide excision to determine its type and spread.  This is important because it determines what kind of therapy you will likely get.

Question 7

my father has metastatic melanoma, 1 lymph node involvement. pet scan and ct scan shows no other metastasis at this time.  does this mean he is cured?

Accepted Answer

I am sorry... : To hear about your father. Melanoma is a horribly unpredictable cancer. It can show up six months or six years after the original treatment and can be literally anywhere in the body. Unfortunately there are no studies that can show microscopic disease. I advise  my cancer patients to give their immune system the best chance to do its job by eating healthy,  getting enough sleep, and  stay fit.

Question 8

what does "atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation, suggestive of melanoma in situ" mean in diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Pre- melanoma: a precursor of actual melanoma: have the lesion completely excised and biopsied-asap

Question 9

would it be best to abstain from sex at 27 as a single person after a stage 1b melanoma diagnosis? and why? thank you? all the melanoma has been taken out just over a year ago and im under close hospital watch?

Accepted Answer

: Melanoma diagnosis and removal should not preclude you from sex. Good luck

Question 10

if nodular melanoma was picked off. would a biopsy of the underlying tissue a few months later still be accurate to make a diagnosis.

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Depending on the depth the melanoma, a biopsy of the area could detect abnormal cells. Best to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

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Doctor answers about:

Pet melanoma diagnosis

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: pet-ct melanoma diagnosis?

A member asked:

Why can't my dr. find the source of the melanoma? i've had numerous pet and cat scans.

A member asked:

Is it possible for a pet scan detect melanoma in the eye?

A member asked:

Is a pet-ct really necessary every 3 years for 0.3mm melanoma. i had a pet-ct 3 years ago that showed no sign of decease after 11 years?

A member asked:

Pet scan 3-4mm, suv value of 1, no further evidence of disease, before surgery melanoma 0.8 mm negative sln, blood samples normal, no other signs

A member asked:

My husband has a melanoma on the right side of his stomach. blood work, x-ray and pet scan are normal. does that mean it is not nessery for a node biopsy?

A member asked:

My father has metastatic melanoma, 1 lymph node involvement. pet scan and ct scan shows no other metastasis at this time. does this mean he is cured?

A member asked:

What does "atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation, suggestive of melanoma in situ" mean in diagnosis?

A member asked:

Would it be best to abstain from sex at 27 as a single person after a stage 1b melanoma diagnosis? and why? thank you? all the melanoma has been taken out just over a year ago and im under close hospital watch?

A member asked:

If nodular melanoma was picked off. would a biopsy of the underlying tissue a few months later still be accurate to make a diagnosis.

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