So many questions …
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So many questions …

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › So many questions …

  • Post
    • April 14, 2016 at 11:54 pm
    KimberlyVU
    Participant

    I have a suspected amelanotic nodular melanoma and just had my first appointment with the dermatologist yesterday. 

    A brief history – I had an elevated bump appear on my upper arm where I believe, but cannot be certain, there was a flat or slightly raised brown mole before. I found the elevated mole mid February but did not report to my primary Doctor until April 7. I have many moles (probably at least 200) and have had several looked at over the years. In general I've always left feeling silly for even bringing them up. This time not so silly. She immediately referred me to a dermatologist and I saw him yesterday so under a week wait. 
     
    He has scheduled me for a punch biopsy 8mm for next Wednesday the 20th but stressed that there is nothing to worry about. Possibly pyogenic granuloma. 
     
    My lump shows granulation and is very vascular, originally was scaly and a little scabbed over only a few dots of blood at first but now it's just pink/red with a little brown left on the side. I can't figure out how to post a pic from my phone. 
     
    Knowing my warning signs do you think I can comfortably wait for the week to get the biopsy and then the two weeks (probably) for the pathology? 
     
    Any advice is welcome
     
    Kim V
     
     
Viewing 2 reply threads
  • Replies
      • April 15, 2016 at 12:42 am
      KimberlyVU
      Participant

      Also a big question I have is what do they mean by ulcerated?

      a quick Google search shows extensive hole like wounds. 

      The skin on my mole has definitely peeled and is still peeling but there is dry fresh pink skin underneath not oozing or bloody

      • April 15, 2016 at 12:42 am
      KimberlyVU
      Participant

      Also a big question I have is what do they mean by ulcerated?

      a quick Google search shows extensive hole like wounds. 

      The skin on my mole has definitely peeled and is still peeling but there is dry fresh pink skin underneath not oozing or bloody

        • April 15, 2016 at 12:47 am
        Janner
        Participant

        I don't think anyone is ever comfortable waiting for a biopsy.  But there is no way for any of us to advise you on that.  Pictures do not tell the tale, the biopsy is the only thing that can diagnose.

        As for ulceration, it is a pathological condition and cannot be diagnosed with the bare eye.  Lesions that are ulcerated may bleed, but bleeding is not the definition of ulceration.  It must be seen with the microscope.

        • April 15, 2016 at 12:47 am
        Janner
        Participant

        I don't think anyone is ever comfortable waiting for a biopsy.  But there is no way for any of us to advise you on that.  Pictures do not tell the tale, the biopsy is the only thing that can diagnose.

        As for ulceration, it is a pathological condition and cannot be diagnosed with the bare eye.  Lesions that are ulcerated may bleed, but bleeding is not the definition of ulceration.  It must be seen with the microscope.

        • April 15, 2016 at 12:54 am
        KimberlyVU
        Participant

        Thank you I didn't know that about ulceration. 

        I know that no one can tell me I'll be fine but I just mean given my signs do you think it's a reasonable course or do I have reason to look for a second opinion. 

        Kim V. 

        • April 15, 2016 at 12:54 am
        KimberlyVU
        Participant

        Thank you I didn't know that about ulceration. 

        I know that no one can tell me I'll be fine but I just mean given my signs do you think it's a reasonable course or do I have reason to look for a second opinion. 

        Kim V. 

        • April 15, 2016 at 1:03 am
        Janner
        Participant

        Getting a biopsy in 1 weeks time is fast.  I doubt you will get something faster but you can always try if you feel it is necessary and are that worried.

        • April 15, 2016 at 1:03 am
        Janner
        Participant

        Getting a biopsy in 1 weeks time is fast.  I doubt you will get something faster but you can always try if you feel it is necessary and are that worried.

        • April 15, 2016 at 1:03 am
        Janner
        Participant

        Getting a biopsy in 1 weeks time is fast.  I doubt you will get something faster but you can always try if you feel it is necessary and are that worried.

        • April 15, 2016 at 12:54 am
        KimberlyVU
        Participant

        Thank you I didn't know that about ulceration. 

        I know that no one can tell me I'll be fine but I just mean given my signs do you think it's a reasonable course or do I have reason to look for a second opinion. 

        Kim V. 

        • April 15, 2016 at 12:47 am
        Janner
        Participant

        I don't think anyone is ever comfortable waiting for a biopsy.  But there is no way for any of us to advise you on that.  Pictures do not tell the tale, the biopsy is the only thing that can diagnose.

        As for ulceration, it is a pathological condition and cannot be diagnosed with the bare eye.  Lesions that are ulcerated may bleed, but bleeding is not the definition of ulceration.  It must be seen with the microscope.

      • April 15, 2016 at 12:42 am
      KimberlyVU
      Participant

      Also a big question I have is what do they mean by ulcerated?

      a quick Google search shows extensive hole like wounds. 

      The skin on my mole has definitely peeled and is still peeling but there is dry fresh pink skin underneath not oozing or bloody

Viewing 2 reply threads

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