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  • Post
    • January 17, 2019 at 3:45 pm
    Amanda R
    Participant

      Hi, I apologize in advance if my story seems less than serious I am just in need of some counsel.  This past October I had a few skin biopsies because I was concerned about a few spots. I was ignorant to biopsies and really anything regarding dermatology procedures. I have since read more than I prob needed to as I have really frightened myself into the possibility that something could have been missed after reading others stories of getting a benign biopsy report only to find out it actually was not benign either with subsequent biopsy or progression.

      So my number one concern right now (and please anyone weigh in if you have some wisdom for me) is of a spot that was partially punch biopsed on my abdomen. It had initially been diagnosed by a derm. (At yearly) A few years ago as a solar lentigo but what was concerning to me is when I felt it had changed. Well the doctor who did the punch biopsy used a 5mm punch on a (per his clinical notes) “6-7mm” spot. Meaning that he would have stitched up the remaining pigment/cells. The pathology report read no melanocytic proliferation, mild hyperplasia, no significant atypia, focal necrosis due to trauma (I had rubbed it) but no definitive diagnosis as to what the lesion actually was which was a bit odd to me. I am uncomfortable leaving the rest of the pigment in there in concern that there may have been cancer cells missed. I have contacted a specialist who said he can see me in April but I am so uncomfortable waiting another three months as it has already been 3 months since that biopsy.  

      Can anyone advise me? To have the area completely cleaned out? Or would there be any point in that now, if something was left behind that was abnormal it would have already spread? Would re-excising that area cause more harm?  I know you are not medical professionals and again I apologize if this seems insignificant. Thank you

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        • January 17, 2019 at 4:42 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          It's difficult to even comment without seeing the actual report.  If you want it totally excised, then I see no issue waiting until April to have that done then.  At least from the part you posted – no significant atypia – I wouldn't be stressing this in the least.  Even if something were to change, these things are typically very slow growing.  If having the excision done will make your mind more at ease, then have it.  But I wouldn't stress the time frame given the tiny bit of info you gave us.  For many mildly atypical moles with close margins,  they will tell you to just monitor the scar area and if there is any regrowth, remove it then.  That is also a valid followup plan.  But if you want it gone, have it done in April.

            • January 17, 2019 at 4:56 pm
            Amanda R
            Participant

              Thank you for your input. Here is the report:

              1:Multifocal epidermal necrosis, consistent with external trauma, with mild epidermal hyperplasia, .

              notes: There is no evidence of melanocytic hyperplasia or any significant atypia of melanocytes or keratinocytes. SOX10 is negative for any atypia and demonstrates normal melanocytes.

              • January 17, 2019 at 4:58 pm
              Amanda R
              Participant

                Is epidermal hyperplasia diff than melanocytic hyperplasia?

                • January 17, 2019 at 5:10 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  Your skin is swollen from trauma – that's epidermal hyperplasia.  Melanocytic hyperplasia is enlarging of the melanocytes due to some type of atypical process.  There is nothing about the report that is troubling in the least.  Get it excised if you want but don't stress about it or the delay.

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