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Atypical Mole
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Atypical Mole

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Atypical Mole

  • Post
    • January 2, 2012 at 5:44 pm
    jimjoeb
    Participant

      Heard some disappointing but not drastic news today. For those who don't know my story, I was diagnosed as Stage IIIa following surgery in June 2011. I declined interferon treatment and have been followed closely since then by my oncologist, dermatologist and family doctor plus my own skin checks.

      Heard some disappointing but not drastic news today. For those who don't know my story, I was diagnosed as Stage IIIa following surgery in June 2011. I declined interferon treatment and have been followed closely since then by my oncologist, dermatologist and family doctor plus my own skin checks.

      Just before Christmas, my dermatologist did two skin biopsies. I learned today that the one on my foot has atypical cells and that she is referring me to a plastic surgeon for further surgery to get a wider margin (5mm). I understand that it isn't melanoma but sometimes could evolve to melanoma so that further surgery is a precaution.

      Have I understood this properly? Does the 5mm mean depth as well as width? I ask because the mole was between my toes and I'm concerned as to what that might mean.

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    • Replies
        • January 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          It sounds like your mole might be classified severely atypical and that's when 5mm margins are recommended.  In general, that means 5mm in all directions and typically down to the muscle fascia.  Of course, anatomy may dictate what margins are realistic.  The key will be to get as good margins as possible.  Your responsibility will be to watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth in the future.  Not melanoma and probably never would be melanoma.  However, it's better to be safe than sorry and get good margins if possible.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

          • January 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            It sounds like your mole might be classified severely atypical and that's when 5mm margins are recommended.  In general, that means 5mm in all directions and typically down to the muscle fascia.  Of course, anatomy may dictate what margins are realistic.  The key will be to get as good margins as possible.  Your responsibility will be to watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth in the future.  Not melanoma and probably never would be melanoma.  However, it's better to be safe than sorry and get good margins if possible.

            Best wishes,

            Janner

            • January 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              It sounds like your mole might be classified severely atypical and that's when 5mm margins are recommended.  In general, that means 5mm in all directions and typically down to the muscle fascia.  Of course, anatomy may dictate what margins are realistic.  The key will be to get as good margins as possible.  Your responsibility will be to watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth in the future.  Not melanoma and probably never would be melanoma.  However, it's better to be safe than sorry and get good margins if possible.

              Best wishes,

              Janner

              • January 2, 2012 at 7:18 pm
              jimjoeb
              Participant

                Thanks, Janner. I agree about the good margins. I'll know about what it really means once I've met with the plastic surgeon. Hopefully, that will be soon.

                • January 2, 2012 at 7:18 pm
                jimjoeb
                Participant

                  Thanks, Janner. I agree about the good margins. I'll know about what it really means once I've met with the plastic surgeon. Hopefully, that will be soon.

                  • January 2, 2012 at 7:18 pm
                  jimjoeb
                  Participant

                    Thanks, Janner. I agree about the good margins. I'll know about what it really means once I've met with the plastic surgeon. Hopefully, that will be soon.

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