Malignant Melanoma

[awayfoe]

somedody have experiment the treatment for malignant melanoma here in thailand ?

please if yes give me information

[skippybangkok]

Being a very white white guy..... interested if they can do scanning in Thailand too I showed my Dr. a spot once on my chest, her answer was " oh, thats just ageing".

Not sure I would go with that prognosis.

[PeaceBlondie]

I really am a natural blondie, and I've been exposed to too much tropical sun. Can you just go into a dermatologist in Thailand and ask for a total visual scan by an expert?

[sbk]

There are several kinds of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Google them to see what treatment is on offer.

My dad regularly has skin cancers either lasered off or frozen off (basal cell I believe) and he is a fair, red headed white man who grew up on a farm and had regular over exposure to the sun as a child and teen.

I believe any dermatologist at a large reputable hospital in bangkok would be able to treat all kinds. And yes, PB, also diagnose.

[leisurely]

Luckily we have never had experience of it, but a friend had a MM removed about 4 years ago, he now has to go for 3 monthly check ups and recommends a doctor at Bumrungrad called Dr Pravit. Hope this helps.

[lopburi3]

I have had basal cell carcinoma surgically removed at both BNH and Latphao Hospitals in the past and have had laser treatment to remove suspect lesions at Bumrungrad and Vejthani hospitals but have no experience with malignant melanoma.

I must say Vejthani treatment was much more professional and results 100% better. And yes, you can visit hospital and have them check your skin. For the large lesion (non healing spot on nose) they did a razer scrape and biopsy to determine it was basal cell.

[malcolminthemiddle]

I have had basal cell carcinoma surgically removed at both BNH and Latphao Hospitals in the past and have had laser treatment to remove suspect lesions at Bumrungrad and Vejthani hospitals but have no experience with malignant melanoma.

I must say Vejthani treatment was much more professional and results 100% better. And yes, you can visit hospital and have them check your skin. For the large lesion (non healing spot on nose) they did a razer scrape and biopsy to determine it was basal cell.

Me to, on the temple just below the hair line which is a common place seemingly. Had it surgically removed at Bumrungrad. Too much sun over many years. Wife now isists on lots of sun block.

[lopburi3]

I have had basal cell carcinoma surgically removed at both BNH and Latphao Hospitals in the past and have had laser treatment to remove suspect lesions at Bumrungrad and Vejthani hospitals but have no experience with malignant melanoma.

I must say Vejthani treatment was much more professional and results 100% better. And yes, you can visit hospital and have them check your skin. For the large lesion (non healing spot on nose) they did a razer scrape and biopsy to determine it was basal cell.

Me to, on the temple just below the hair line which is a common place seemingly. Had it surgically removed at Bumrungrad. Too much sun over many years. Wife now isists on lots of sun block.

That was the location of my first one at age 40 and never stayed in sun that much. Next was 25 years later.

[Ned]

Melanoma has a high survival rate if treated early ie while at the grade 1 stage.

The treatment depends on whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is required in any case and CAT scans are vital. Follow up tests such as liver function tests, lung X rays are carried out. I myself had a grade 3 mole removed 6 years ago and the surgery involved removing a large piece of skin around the area where the mole was. I visited a specialist monthly for the first six months, after that at three month intervals up to the first year. Surviving the first year without the cancer spreading was a big deal. After that I went for a check up twice a year for the next year. That was 2 years and still all clear. At this stage I was in Bangkok and I went to the Cancer Society where they gave me a heart test, lung x ray and blood tests looking mainly at liver and pancreatic function. Still all clear and the head doctor there told me I was in the clear. Western doctors , fearing litigation don't talk like that. They say stuff like, "Up to this point in time it's all clear and it's looking good".

I was lucky I suppose that the mole was discovered while I was in Australia, the world capital of melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most virulent of all cancers which can spread quickly to especially the liver or lungs or anywhere for that matter and needs to be treated urgently. Most people I meet no nothing about this cancer and talk about it in the same way as all the other common skin cancers which are not life threatening. I had a lucky escape as the mole I had removed was quite large. The doctor at the time gave me a little bit better than even money chance of living another five years. I think he expected the cancer to emerge in the lymph nodes at a later stage, usually the first stop before spreading inside the body usually causing death. I'm lucky that it didn't spread. I now look at people roasting in the sun for hours, like I used to do and I can't not think how dangerous it looks.

[helicoptor]

Is the risk of Skin Cancer greater in LOS ? than say Australia?

Does anyone know what level ozone depletion is in LOS?

[sibeymai]

I had skin cancer diagnosed at Bumrungrad by a skin specialist doctor there. I was only in Thailand temporarily at the time and was returning to Australia in a few weeks.

The doctor said he had trained in skin cancer in the US and pleaded for me to let him treat me saying that he was disappointed in not being able to use his training as Thais simply do not get skin cancer. I declined treatment since I was returning to Australia soon and would be treated for free. But the doctor was somwhat offended believing I was doubting his skills.

As stated in this thread already, skin cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer if treated in the early stages but one of the most fatal if not treated early. As a red haired surfer and beach life saver in my younger days followed by boating I get checked up regularly. Any big hospital in Bangkok has the specialists needed for this. I usually change hospitals regularly as a new set of eyes and experience can spot things others might miss. Photographic record is also useful to track the changes in spots which may be troublesome.

[mijan24]

Melanoma has a high survival rate if treated early ie while at the grade 1 stage.

The treatment depends on whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is required in any case and CAT scans are vital. Follow up tests such as liver function tests, lung X rays are carried out. I myself had a grade 3 mole removed 6 years ago and the surgery involved removing a large piece of skin around the area where the mole was. I visited a specialist monthly for the first six months, after that at three month intervals up to the first year. Surviving the first year without the cancer spreading was a big deal. After that I went for a check up twice a year for the next year. That was 2 years and still all clear. At this stage I was in Bangkok and I went to the Cancer Society where they gave me a heart test, lung x ray and blood tests looking mainly at liver and pancreatic function. Still all clear and the head doctor there told me I was in the clear. Western doctors , fearing litigation don't talk like that. They say stuff like, "Up to this point in time it's all clear and it's looking good".

I was lucky I suppose that the mole was discovered while I was in Australia, the world capital of melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most virulent of all cancers which can spread quickly to especially the liver or lungs or anywhere for that matter and needs to be treated urgently. Most people I meet no nothing about this cancer and talk about it in the same way as all the other common skin cancers which are not life threatening. I had a lucky escape as the mole I had removed was quite large. The doctor at the time gave me a little bit better than even money chance of living another five years. I think he expected the cancer to emerge in the lymph nodes at a later stage, usually the first stop before spreading inside the body usually causing death. I'm lucky that it didn't spread. I now look at people roasting in the sun for hours, like I used to do and I can't not think how dangerous it looks.

Ned do you have contact number or address for the Cancer Society in Bangkok?

Fair skinned as many Ozzies are many many Skin Cancers frozen/burnt off over the years - 2001 at local Drs in Townsville and he noticed a mark on left forearm -NB. not sore not raised nothing except large freckle 1/2 the size of a one satang coin - he decided to check it out that was a Wed, results Frid same week alas MM, hospital Sun, Surgically removed Monday he also removed lymph nodes under left armpit woke up bag hanging out of lh armpit skin grafted from top of left leg onto left forearm have a scar 6cm x 5cm on upper side of left forearm (took 1/3 of a tattoo off as well) all well good result no probs that I know of 5 years later.No feeling in left armpit surgeon remarked he believes going in boots and all so there is no chance of anything being left behind fair statement by me.

Surgeon who was a great down to earth guy remarked lymph node/s were tested after removal (clear) but he found some tattoo ink in there which he said was common - tattoos were applied back in the early 60's.

I believe that if you are meant to go you will - for example another Dr in the same surgery came in when I was called back on the Friday for verdict and She remarked she would not have seen the mark as in her office I would have sat with my right arm resting on the desk. Live life to the fullest enjoy it whilst you can We are only here for a short time relatively speaking.

Thats my 1/2 a satangs worth 555.

Mijan24

Edited November 8, 2006 by mijan24

[Ned]

No Mijan24, unfortunately I can't find my registration card. I was there four years ago but I can sort of remember it being in the area between Siam Sq and Hualampong station.

I don't bother with check ups any longer. The last time I saw a dermatologist was in Sydney when I was down on an annual visit and that was about three years ago.

Changes the way you look at life alright , does surviving a potentially life threatening disease.

[awayfoe]

Melanoma has a high survival rate if treated early ie while at the grade 1 stage.

The treatment depends on whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is required in any case and CAT scans are vital. Follow up tests such as liver function tests, lung X rays are carried out. I myself had a grade 3 mole removed 6 years ago and the surgery involved removing a large piece of skin around the area where the mole was. I visited a specialist monthly for the first six months, after that at three month intervals up to the first year. Surviving the first year without the cancer spreading was a big deal. After that I went for a check up twice a year for the next year. That was 2 years and still all clear. At this stage I was in Bangkok and I went to the Cancer Society where they gave me a heart test, lung x ray and blood tests looking mainly at liver and pancreatic function. Still all clear and the head doctor there told me I was in the clear. Western doctors , fearing litigation don't talk like that. They say stuff like, "Up to this point in time it's all clear and it's looking good".

I was lucky I suppose that the mole was discovered while I was in Australia, the world capital of melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most virulent of all cancers which can spread quickly to especially the liver or lungs or anywhere for that matter and needs to be treated urgently. Most people I meet no nothing about this cancer and talk about it in the same way as all the other common skin cancers which are not life threatening. I had a lucky escape as the mole I had removed was quite large. The doctor at the time gave me a little bit better than even money chance of living another five years. I think he expected the cancer to emerge in the lymph nodes at a later stage, usually the first stop before spreading inside the body usually causing death. I'm lucky that it didn't spread. I now look at people roasting in the sun for hours, like I used to do and I can't not think how dangerous it looks.

unfortunetly i am on level IV it's why probebly too late !

and i hesitate to loose time and money for just nothing !

after investigation the conclusion is on this level for malignant melanoma the chance for survive

is very low ! it's why the question is make more test like PET scan and continue for what ???

big dilemma !!

[midmac]

Melanoma has a high survival rate if treated early ie while at the grade 1 stage.

The treatment depends on whether the cancer has spread. Surgery is required in any case and CAT scans are vital. Follow up tests such as liver function tests, lung X rays are carried out. I myself had a grade 3 mole removed 6 years ago and the surgery involved removing a large piece of skin around the area where the mole was. I visited a specialist monthly for the first six months, after that at three month intervals up to the first year. Surviving the first year without the cancer spreading was a big deal. After that I went for a check up twice a year for the next year. That was 2 years and still all clear. At this stage I was in Bangkok and I went to the Cancer Society where they gave me a heart test, lung x ray and blood tests looking mainly at liver and pancreatic function. Still all clear and the head doctor there told me I was in the clear. Western doctors , fearing litigation don't talk like that. They say stuff like, "Up to this point in time it's all clear and it's looking good".

I was lucky I suppose that the mole was discovered while I was in Australia, the world capital of melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most virulent of all cancers which can spread quickly to especially the liver or lungs or anywhere for that matter and needs to be treated urgently. Most people I meet no nothing about this cancer and talk about it in the same way as all the other common skin cancers which are not life threatening. I had a lucky escape as the mole I had removed was quite large. The doctor at the time gave me a little bit better than even money chance of living another five years. I think he expected the cancer to emerge in the lymph nodes at a later stage, usually the first stop before spreading inside the body usually causing death. I'm lucky that it didn't spread. I now look at people roasting in the sun for hours, like I used to do and I can't not think how dangerous it looks.

unfortunetly i am on level IV it's why probebly too late !

and i hesitate to loose time and money for just nothing !

after investigation the conclusion is on this level for malignant melanoma the chance for survive

is very low ! it's why the question is make more test like PET scan and continue for what ???

big dilemma !!

[Ijustwannateach]

On a bureaucratic point- important to have good insurance *before* the melanoma is diagnosed, as it's very hard to get it after you've been diagnosed once- so I heard from a dermatologist speaking on skin cancer at my uni once.