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Core Needle Biopsy – Question
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Core Needle Biopsy – Question

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Core Needle Biopsy – Question

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    • October 9, 2022 at 6:43 am
    MMH
    Participant
      I have a core needle biopsy tomorrow for highly suspicious lymph node near scar identified on ultrasound. I was originally 1a in 2018 with atypical spitzoid tumor. Do I push for a full dissection instead of the needle biopsy to avoid the very small but real possibility of “needle spread” or is there no choice here? I just want to make sure I am doing all I can and my derm just left Hopkins and I cannot reach the new doctor and biopsy is tomorrow. This forum seems to know firsthand the best route so please respond with any thoughts. My husband and I feel like we are flying blind.
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        • October 11, 2022 at 11:43 pm
        mmbraddock
        Participant
          Hi,
          It is a scary thing to even think about. Hopefully, it is not Melanoma but IF it is the biopsy will help identify possible treatment options. I was 1b in 2016 on my thigh. Swollen lymphnode in groin in 1/22 biopsy confirmed melanoma. If you contain a BRAF mutation your treatment might include targeted therapy. There is research indicating targeted therapy prior to node dissection increases chances of overall survival. I started targeted therapy in Jan and had my lymphnode dissection in August after the lymphode had considerable shrinkage. Hope tomorrow goes well and you get speedy results. Will be thinking of you.
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