Demetre, an 11-year-old happy and active boy from Georgia, always loved playing outside. One summer afternoon, his mother noticed a dark pigmented patch on the side of Demetre’s back which had not been there previously. Demetre’s mother first thought the patch was simply a birthmark or a case of sunburn, but over the next few weeks, Demetre’s mother observed that the area seemed to darken and slightly change shape.
Feeling concerned, Demetre’s mother decided to take him to a local dermatologist in Tbilisi. After examining the area, the dermatologist raised the possibility of melanoma, which is a rare but serious type of skin cancer, and suggested some follow-up investigation. Although melanoma is sporadic in children, let alone an 11-year-old boy, the family did not want to leave it to chance.
With a strong desire for certainty, accuracy, and peace of mind, they contacted a medical travel company for assistance, which is where Dr. Vishwas (an international care coordinator with years of experience at Medigence) entered the frame.
Clinical Summary Before Treatment
Demetre’s case was logged as a direct lead and marked as urgent, not because of any confirmed diagnosis, but because of the fear and emotional burden that the word “melanoma” carries. Dr. Vishwas immediately researched Demetre’s medical records and suggested specialist dermatological and oncological consultations in Turkey.
Within less than 24 hours from the date of contact, an appointment was arranged with Dr. Sevgi, a pediatric dermatology specialist and skin cancer expert, along with the staff. Medical Park Hospital in Trabzon is notable for its state-of-the-art tools and diagnostic equipment, as well as its pediatric-focused approach to healthcare.
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Demetre’s mother appreciated the pace and precision MediGence exhibited:
- They had assembled all medical documents and images to be sent ahead to Dr. Sevgi.
- They provided assisted visa support, appointment confirmation, and on-the-ground support in Turkey.
- The family was advised to prepare for a 1-day check-up trip, knowing they could extend it if needed.
Meeting with Dr. Sevgi at Medical Park Hospital in Turkey
On 3rd September 2024, Demetre and his mother arrived in Turkey. A hospital liaison met the family, including Demetre, at the airport, where they were greeted with a sign welcoming them to Turkey, and escorted them directly to Medical Park Hospital in Trabzon on September 4, 2024.
Once they arrived, Demetre was made comfortable by the pediatric team. Since hospitals can be scary for children, the pediatric team attempted to create a warm, non-threatening environment during his stay.
Dr. Sevgi began with a thorough examination of the pigmented lesion, using a dermatoscope to inspect it closely. This device allows for viewing the skin’s structure with magnification, enabling comparison of the image to Demetre’s photos from Georgia, as well as examination of the medical and family history. Additional steps in the diagnostic work-up included:
- Medical dermatology mapping of the skin lesion
- Assessment of color changes of skin lesions and the irregular border of the lesion
- Non-invasive digital mole counting
- Blood work/inflammatory markers (out of an abundance of caution)
Demetre was calm and cooperative, mainly due to the support of his mother and the staff’s welcoming attitude.
After her thorough examination, Dr. Sevgi was sure that melanoma was not a concern. There were:
- No asymmetrical contour / no asymmetric borders
- No variations in color inside the lesion
- No thickening, ulceration or changes to the vascular bed
- No malignant indicators in blood or physical signs
She stated that the pigmented patch was likely a benign melanocytic nevus (harmless childhood mole often seen in adolescents). That it was discoloured was likely due to sun exposure, and there was no reason to think of cancer. Demetre did not need to panic and needed monitoring and sunscreen know-how. The doctor’s recommendations included:
- Wearing sunscreen of SPF 50+ when outdoors
- Annual skin checks throughout puberty
- No need for biopsy or surgery for the time being.
A Bright Future for Demetre
With the consultation and testing done all in one day, it mattered that their trip to Turkey involved just one day in the hospital; what counted was the emotional value delivered. The family returned to Georgia the very next day with a solid amount to be thankful for, and they were able to resolve many issues. Their time in Turkey was a significant reminder of the value of intervention and expert third-party consultations – even for minor matters – in alleviating larger woes later.
