Azathioprine and side effects (Melanoma)

I recently had a Colonoscopy and as result it was found the area where I had my resection is somewhat inflamed I had my surgery over 5 years ago so this was a possibilty. I have been taking HUMIRA for the last 2 years and Remicade before that my GI Doctor has suggested and prescribed AZATHIOPRINE 50mg 5 tabs a day and to also inject HUMIRA once a week rather every other week. My concern with this is the possible side effects of developing cancer especially MELANOMA from taking th AZATHIOPRINE I had a Melanoma in the past and go to Dermatologist every 6 months to be checked and routinely have to have spots removed. Out of all the Blogs about AZATHIOPRINE I have read no one mentions a History of MELANOMA.....Don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about starting the Drug....

I definitely understand your concern. There is an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer because of these immunosuppressants. It's probably also true that there is an increased risk of melanoma, but studies on that are pretty scarce as far as I know.

You could seek second opinions, but even then, I don't think anybody can give you a definite answer.

So it's a risk/benefits question, with the risks a little unknown.

What stage was your melanoma? If it was stage 0 or 1, I'd be more inclined to start the azathioprine. If you've had a stage 3, I'd be extremely leery of taking any more immunosuppressants. If it was stage 2, then it's a tough call.