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Pathology report help

Forums General Melanoma Community Pathology report help

  • Post
    wildwilly69
    Participant

    Hi,

     

    I received a pathology report below and not sure what it means.  I have been scheduled to have a wider section removed based on this report.  I need help understanding the report.

     

    FINAL
    MICROSCOPIC
    DIAGNOSIS: A. Right pretibia, Shave Biopsy:"" SEVERELY
    ATYPICAL
    INTRAEPIDERMAL
    MELANOCYTIC
    PROLIFERATION
    W ITH DENSE
    HOST RESPONSE;
    EXTENDING TO
    ONE PERIPHERAL
    MARGIN."" "" Comment:
    Although the
    findings are not
    sufficient to
    render a
    definitive
    diagnosis of
    melanoma in
    situ, the lesion is
    significantly
    atypical. Initial
    and multiple
    deeper sections
    were examined. A
    MART-1
    immunostain
    (with appropriate
    controls)
    highlights
    melanocyte
    distribution and
    supports the
    above diagnosis. Sections show a
    proliferation of
    atypical
    melanocytes at
    the
    dermoepidermal
    junction, with
    areas of
    confluence.

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  • Replies
      ed williams
      Participant

      Hi Anon, didn't want to leave you hanging any longer, I am sure one of the early stage experts will chime in but as I read it, no big deal, you caught things early enough. Pretty sure you are just looking at getting good margins and then follow the instructions that Dermatologist gives you. If you go back and look at older post of insitu or Atypical path reports, look for the name Janner, any post where she gives advice to similiar early path reports are gold as far as good advice. Take Care!!!Ed

      Janner
      Participant

      The diagnosis is NOT melanoma.  It is a severely atypical lesion.  However, most doctors recommend having additional margins removed.  The margins recommended are actually the same margins (5 mm) you would have removed if you had a very early melanoma.  Early melanomas are called "in situ".  So this isn't melanoma and may never had become melanoma, but it's close enough to be cautious and have extra skin removed – just in case.  Continue to watch your other moles for change!

        wildwilly69
        Participant

        Thank you for the explanation of the report.  I'm scheduled to have more removed and will watch other moles for changes.  Thank you again.

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