Looking for advice, please. Melanoma

Amandae
Amandae Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Skin Cancer #1
Hello, I'm not really sure if anyone can give me advice, but I wanted to try.

I recently seen my dad, whom I am not seen for about 2 yrs now. I seen a growth of some sort on his head and asked him what it was. He said he believed it was melanoma (which from comparing it to pictures that I have looked at online, I really believe to be so). It looked really bad. He said it has been there for about a year! He has not had it looked at because he does not have insurance. I am really afraid, that if it is melanoma, that it has possibly already spread to other areas. So my question is, how would someone with no insurance go about getting this checked out? Any and all advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Comments

  • jsesch
    jsesch Member Posts: 5
    #2
    no insurance
    Would your dad qualify for Medicare or Medicaid? What about contacting the American Cancer Society?
  • mainegal
    mainegal Member Posts: 6
    #3
    Hope this helps
    Here might be one option, you can either search by date or state.

    http://www.skincancer.org/tour/tourbydate.php

    http://www.aad.org/public/exams/screenings/

    http://www.olay.com/sctf08/

    The other option would be for you to call his local health department and explain his situation, and if they dont offer a service for biopsies then usually they can give you a name of whats known as a care clinic that offers free or reduced health care and or a name of a dermatologist that volunteers time and services to the un-insured.

    Lastly, call every dermatologist in his area and explain the immediate need for a skin check and possible biopsy, ask if they would be willing to work out a payment plan.

    Hope one of these will be helpful~
    Jane
  • DeniseMcSD
    DeniseMcSD Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Hi there,
    Do you know of a
    Hi there,

    Do you know of a good Dermatolgoist where he lives? I would suggest that you call the local hospital for a referral, and then call and ask to speak with the Office Manager, and explain the situation. I am sure that there will be Dr.'s who will work with you, if they know that a monthly payment will be made. It sounds to me like your Dad is letting fear rule his life. Believe me, having treatment for a late stage melanoma would be really awful, the time to act is NOW. Oh, and you can NEVER tell definitely what a lesion is until you have it biopsied and sent to the Pathologist. My Mom thought her melanoma looked totally harmless. And, what may look horrible, may just be benign! But he has to find out!

    All the best,

    Denise
  • Kellyam
    Kellyam Member Posts: 2
    #5
    melanoma
    I'm 23 years old and had a melanoma removed in december. It was a dark mole that had appeared about 1 and a half-2 years ago. Fortunately it was still in an early stage and it hadn't spread. I don't have insurance either and the dermatologist only charged 100 or 150 dollars to remove and biopsy. If more surgery or treatments are needed it will cost you more, but contact the american cancer society maybe they can help. I've said a prayer for him! I hope everything turns out good.

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