Skin Cancer Apps

Hi i also had a melenoma mole removed July 2021 a year of immunotherapy( pembrolizumab) didn’t work I’m now stage 4 melenoma skin cancer (lungs) I’m now on IPILIMUMAB but my oncologist is dead against me having nivolumbab which they normally combined with IPILIMUMAB gives a better response to treatment apparently it’s a 12 week cycle with a treatment every 3 weeks!

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear that you have detected a melanoma and hope you get treatment soon.

I use the Skin Vision app that you could use in conjunction with NHS checks. I think you can have a few free photos a year or pay a fee for submission of as many photos as you want to submit. 

Any checks aren't 100% and skin changes can occur very quickly so I hope that the combination of being vigilant yourself, an app and NHS checks will catch any possible future issues as quickly as possible. 

Best wishes

Dear Jolly Roger, 

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and treatment. 

Why is your oncologist 'dead against' giving you treatment that you say would be more efficacious? 

Can you ask for a second opinion? 

Best wishes Sarah 

Thanks for this. I have just downloaded the skinvision app and the yearly cost of £50 isnt too expensive considering what is at stake.  Thanks for the recommendation.

Hi Pete,

I hope it is of use. It does say the photo algorithms have a high rate of detection and in my case some of the lesions were barely noticeable but flagged as high risk. They also then put the photos before a panel of dermatologists to check, so you have an almost instant confirmation. 

You will be able to track all moles or suspicious lesions over time and compare how they have changed. I'm currently tracking how my 3 biopsy sites are healing whilst nervously  waiting for results. 

Best wishes Sarah 

Thanks Sarah.  The diagnosis this week has really been a wake up call for me (cant stop thinking about it and am one of the lucky ones as am only stage 1).  Am determined to have a robust process in place for myself to track changes so I think the app is a great starting point and will also help to put my mind at ease that I have a structured way to keep track of any changes. 

Thanks again 

Pete