Is a dermatoscope used at 3 monthly surveillance appointments?

Hi DMClare,

My SCNS uses a dermatoscope during my 3 monthly skin checks.  I’ve had 12 months of checks so far.   I too have lots of freckles, moles and areas of pigmentation.  I usually make a list of any lesions I’m not sure about, for her to look at.  If I’m really worried about something between checks, I send her a photograph.  

She also checks my lymph nodes, and always reminds me that I need to check these regularly myself, as well as the moles.

I hope that your results are clear when you go to your clinic in a couple of weeks and that you end up with the regular checks, which I find very reassuring.

Caroline

Thanks for your reply  

That's great that your SCNS uses a dermatoscope, very reassuring. 

Hoping for similar service  

Hi there 

I have had 2 three monthly checks. One with the plastic surgeon and one with the nurse. Neither checked my skin with a dermascope or indeed give me a full body check. I was told the nhs did not provide this. 
could I ask where you are based please? I was diagnosed with stage 1a melanoma 

Stage 3c here and consultant has always checked my body during the 3 month checks. They also ask if there is anything I'm concerned about so they can ensure those are checked properly. Based in North Wales.

That’s excellent and very reassuring for you. I am based in the North East and the skin cancer nurse said this wasn’t a service the nhs provided. Puzzling really. 

I’m in North Wales.  I’m Stage 1b and had WLE and SLNB   14 months ago.  Maybe the staging makes a difference?

Wales123c689d6 - It could be down to staging, might be worth asking your SCNS to see what they say? 

Hi

I did and she said not. I asked about private consultations and she pointed me in the direction of nhs consultants who deliver this. I’ve set up a standing order which I am allocating funds each fund in readiness for the yearly checks

funds each month 

It's frustrating that is the case, especially having to go private to have this done. I saw a private consultant early in my diagnosis at Spire in Wrexham and he was very good a thorough, so I can say they are worth seeing if needs be, at least from my experience.