Subungal Cutaneous Melanoma

Coachjim
Coachjim Member Posts: 19 Member
in Skin Cancer #1

I've had 3 doctors tell me I have melanoma under my index finger but have not been able to find a doctor who will biopsy it. This has been growing for 2 years and my dermatologist kept blowing me off and saying it was 'nothing' or a 'fungus'.  The last time I saw him, he sent me to a hand surgeon who gasped and called in another doctor.  They don't do fingernails or cancer. They do ligaments and tendons so here I sit......  

I know this is a very rare cancer, but it's also very dangerous and I cannot find a doctor to biopsy me.  Cancer Treatment Centers of America will TREAT me once I have the biopsy confirmed but not before.  

Anyone know what type doctor will do this surgery? I live in Atlanta. 

CoachJ

 

Comments

  • Coachjim
    Coachjim Member Posts: 19 Member
    #2
    Biopsy (2) tomorrow at 9:15 in Atlanta

    I saw a cancer specialist for rare cancers and he will biopsy my finger in two places on Jan. 26th. and is set up to send the information to Dr. Rizzo, an oncology surgeon, at Emory.  Check your fingernails and toe nails! 

  • Debbysue
    Debbysue Member Posts: 16 Member
    edited January 2017 #3
    Glad for you!

    So glad you found someone who can help! We found out last year the pitfalls of rare cancers not getting biopsied in time. It sounds like you've done a great job of advocating for yourself! Good for you! I'm sure they'll get you all fixed up at Emory! Let us know how things go. Prayers for a speedy recovery!!

  • Coachjim
    Coachjim Member Posts: 19 Member
    #4
    Thanks Debbysue

    Doctor Perry ended up doing four biopsies under the fingernail and down in the nail matrix.  He said because of the possibility of subungual melanoma, this had to be prepped a different way and two of the biopsies would take longer than usual.  I see him again on Thursday, Feb. 2nd.  He even sent off the whole ridge that was down the middle of the nail.  Thanks for those prayers! 
    Coach Jim

  • Coachjim
    Coachjim Member Posts: 19 Member
    #5
    NO CANCER

    Doctor is unsure what has caused active bleeding for almost 3 months under my nail, but all 4 biopsies came back normal cells and no signs of cancer.  I'll see him Thursday and he'll cauterize where he took the biopsy(s) since they're still bleeding.  

Discussion Boards