I am a melanoma patient, and I can tell you that skin cancer IS as serious as other cancers. Anyone who tells you otherwise is thinking of basal cell carcinoma, which is ONE type of skin cancer that does not metastacize. Melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers, and it is to be taken seriously. However... I have learned that there is really no point in worrying until we know something. I know, I know! That's easy to SAY. But you seem to be letting worry get the best of you before even knowing anything. The fact is that if melanoma is caught early, your father may never have to deal with it again, other than getting regular dermatology checks. The information on this website about Staging will be helpful to you when he gets his pathology report. Be sure that he gets a copy of it from the doctor. If he finds out that he is a Stage I patient, you can breathe a sigh of relief! If you would like to visit a great site for information from patients and caregivers, go to www.mpip.org. There's a caring community of knowledgeable people there on the bulletin board. They'll answer your questions quickly while you're trying to decide whether to call a doctor, or whether a certain symptom is something to worry about. I hope you'll drop in for a visit.... IF your father indeed has melanoma. In the meantime, I hope you'll visit your doctor for a skin check as well. It's amazing how many people will get regular mamos and PAP smears, but won't get their skin checked. It's an easy thing to do. And it could save your life!