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Letter to GP melanoma diagnosis

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Hi. Not sure if you can help,  I received a copy of the letter sent to my gp regarding my stage 1A diagnosis of melanoma. At the bottom of the letter it says about performing a total skin exam and no more suspicious moles were found, but noticed was that I was slightly anemic with low platelets. Can that be seen just from a skin exam? I haven't had a blood test yet. Would it have shown in my biopsy and pathology report? I've been taking antidepressants for a couple of months and wondered if that would affect anything? 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about your situation and appreciate you have some queries about this letter.

    I think it would be best if you try and arrange a time to talk this through with your GP as they are in a better place to find out more for you.

    I would say a full blood count is the only sure way of diagnosing anaemia and low platelets. A doctor through a general assessment of someone may be able to guess they are anaemic through examination, and if during the biopsy you bled/bruise more easily, then this could suggest low platelets, but as I say the only way of knowing this as fact would be through a blood test.

    Some antidepressants can sometimes affect the platelets so this is possible, but I really suggest talking these things through with your GP when you can.

    Please get back if you need to and if you would like to talk to one of the nurses on the helpline our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here Mon-Fri 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Thank you for replying back to me. Yes I will speak to my gp. I think because I am very pale he possibly thought anemia. I didn't bleed a lot when they performed the biopsy and didn't really bruise afterwards. The nurse who took my stitches out actually commented how well I had healed.

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