Melanoma

[P&H]

A friend of mine who is a 121 guy found out a mole that he had for a few weeks was melanoma. Caught it early, had it removed, still waiting on the status of whether or not it spread (most probably not).

Does anyone know if this is the kind of thing that will keep your medical suspended for months on end until the Feds finally give it back, or is it one of those things you simply tell your AME with a letter from your dermatologist/surgeon saying that everything's fine now and then you can get your medical..?

[My Flight Surgeon]

It will depend on the pathology report. The FAA states:

• A Special Issuance or AASI is required for any melanoma which exhibits Breslow Level > .75 mm with or without metastasis
• A melanoma that exhibits a Breslow Level < .75 mm which has no evidence of metastasis may be regular issued

If the Breslow Level is 0.75 mm or greater, he will have to go through the Special Issuance process to be approved. That should take about 4 weeks once he submits all of the apppropriate documentation to the FAA.

[P&H]

Thanks for the quick response, doc. I'll pass the news to my friend.

Best,
P&H