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Doctor staged cancer before surgery
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Doctor staged cancer before surgery

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Doctor staged cancer before surgery

  • Post
    • July 12, 2018 at 5:09 am
    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! 

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    • Replies
        • July 12, 2018 at 6:00 am
        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. 

          • July 12, 2018 at 11:54 pm
          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

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