The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Doctor staged cancer before surgery

Forums General Melanoma Community Doctor staged cancer before surgery

  • Post
    Slhnsd
    Participant

    Hello all! My husband was just diagnosed with both Melanoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma (in separate locations) He had his initial biopsy done and the pathology report said..

    ”The lesion extends to the inked lateral and deep edges  of the specimen. 

    Diagnosis: Melanoma InSitu – T Classification. “

    My question is.. how can the Dr say it is Melanoma InSitu when there were no clear margins on biopsy?! Can he make that determination before wide-excision surgery? 

    Thank you! 

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • Replies
      Slhnsd
      Participant

      Perhaps I should also note that he had his surgery today for the Melanoma. The doc cauterized the wound

      before closing it up. 

      The melanoma was on his middle upper back. 

      kcmtnbiker
      Participant

      My understanding of In Situ is that the Melanoma is confined to the epidermis. So my assumption would be that the sample provided to the Pathologist did not have any signs of melanoma deeper than the epidermis. This referance does not necessarly determine the width – how far it extends to the sides. That is what finding clear margins would indicate, rather it is in referance to the depth. A Melanoma that does not extend deeper the the epidermis is a good sign.  Good Luck

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
About the MRF Patient Forum

The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

Popular Topics