Newly diagnosed. Need some help understanding pathology report while waiting on next appointment.
REGISTER
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.

Newly diagnosed. Need some help understanding pathology report while waiting on next appointment.

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Newly diagnosed. Need some help understanding pathology report while waiting on next appointment.

  • Post
    • October 23, 2017 at 6:13 pm
    Clee
    Participant

    Hello,

     

    i just received my diagnosis/pathology report on Friday. Of course I am anxious and trying not to stress too much, but knowledge is power. Waiting on the call from Dermatology for next step. My report states malignant melanoma Clark’s 2 Breslow’s thickness 0.56 mm with focal regression non ulcerated involving a side margin, deep margin is free of involvement.  It also says mitotic index 1-2/mm2 and regression,focal,less than 75% of lesion. Any input would be greatly appreciated that will help me understand what mitotic index and regression means in terms of my diagnosis and if it could affect treatment……

Viewing 0 reply threads
  • Replies
      • October 23, 2017 at 8:29 pm
      Jamie1960
      Participant

      I've been where you are and there is, as always, good news and "other".

      Regression is a sign that your body's immune system is strong and effectively attacking the melanoma; however, the resulting "retreat/regression" makes it more difficult to accurately measure the true extent of the lesion.

      Mitosis is an important indicator of cell division / rate of proliferation of cancerous cells.

      Even absent ulceration, my guess would be that your surgical oncologist will recommend WLE and perhaps also SLNB given the presence of both regression and measurable mitosis.

      This is a good thing; you have plenty of lymph nodes and will have greater peace of mind upon the likely negative results of the SLNB. Be sure, however, to consult a surgical oncologist and not just the dermatologist if this is where you are.

      My own motto is, like voting in Chicago, to cut "frequently, and often too".

        • October 23, 2017 at 10:46 pm
        Clee
        Participant

        Thank you so much for your response! I’m scheduled to see a Dermatologist first who specializes in melanoma, and then go from there. I’m going to take your advice and ask to see a surgical oncologist if he does not bring it up himself. Even if he doesn’t recommend a SLNB, i’m going to ask to have it done. 

        Just trying to keep my anxiety at bay and not think horrible things is really hard, as I’m certain you understand!

Viewing 0 reply threads
  • 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