Melanoma Program FAQs

Q: I have a funny looking spot on my skin. What should I do?

A: Contact your primary care physician or dermatologist to have it checked soon. If you don’t have a primary care physician or dermatologist, you can come to the “Drop In Clinic” to have the spot checked. Dermatologist Dr. Dale Westrom of the North Bay Melanoma Program, in Santa Rosa, runs this on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call first to 579-4239.

Q: I was diagnosed with melanoma recently but haven’t yet had any treatment. What should I do?

A: The physicians in the North Bay Melanoma Program evaluate and treat patients with all stages of melanoma. Please have your primary care physician or dermatologist refer you to medical oncologist Dr. Peter Brett, Melanoma Program director, for an evaluation. Your physician can fax a request to Dr. Brett at 707-823-7851 or call Dr. Brett at 707-823-8565. Dr. Brett can usually see you for an evaluation within 2-3 days of referral.

Q: I was treated for melanoma in the past, and I think I should be getting follow-up to make sure it’s not coming back. What should I do?

A: If you were treated for melanoma in the past 10 years, we do recommend ongoing follow-up to make sure the melanoma has not recurred (come back), in the skin or elsewhere. Please have your primary care physician or dermatologist refer you to medical oncologist Dr. Peter Brett, Melanoma Program director, for an evaluation. Your physician can fax a request to Dr. Brett at 707-823-7851 or call Dr. Brett at 707-823-8565. Dr. Brett can usually see you for a follow-up evaluation within 1-2 weeks of referral.

Q: Do you have clinical trials available for treatment of patients with melanoma?

A: Absolutely. We often have promising trials available for patients with different stages of melanoma. Please consult our Clinical Trials section for more information on trials currently available.

Q: Where can I find out more about the North Bay Melanoma Program, or about melanoma treatment?

A: Please visit all of the sections of our website for helpful information. You can find general program information under the Welcome section and more specific treatment information under the Your Care section.