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Path report

Forums General Melanoma Community Path report

  • Post
    Vas
    Participant

    Hello , in April I noticed a 2mm black mole on my lower bicep, nothing irregular other then the color,  black as all my other moles are brown. Both my family doctor and dermatologist said to observe it and if it grows to remove and biopsy,  but since I didn't like the color I had the mole removed and sent to lab. This is what they said..

     "atypical compound melanocytic proliferation,  extending to the base of the specimen and very close to the peripheral edges.  NOTE: THIS LESION shows some features of a compound melanocytic nevus with architectural disorder and cytologic atypia of melanocytes (dysplastic nevus) as well as overlapping features of a pigmented Spitzoid proliferation/neoplasm. Atipical findings also include focally prominent pagetoid migration that be be related to prior trauma, however, an evolving higher grade lesion / melanoma cannot be excluded with certainty. A recent excision is recommended to ensure the entire lesion has been removed and for further evaluation of any remaining lesion.

     I'm confused as even my dermatologist couldn't fully explain to me what this means , I had WLE done on Monday and waiting for my results anxiously I might add! 
     
    What I can't figure out is , is it DN AND if so mild , moderate , or severe? It's very confusing as because they do mention melanoma in the report.  Any input would be appreciated ! Thanks
     
    Vas
     

     

Viewing 5 reply threads
  • Replies
      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      My melanaoma evolved in asmall part of a mole which was initially a common or garden dysplasic nevi- sounds like the pathologist can't rule this out with certainty in your case and has asked for the WLE to be on the safe side.

      Good news-  It has been removed early whilst small.  As melanomas evolve overtime you may never have certainty other than that a mole which was possibly problematical now or in the future has been removed – and so is less likely to cause any further difficulty than if it had been left under observation for a while. It is quite likely that the results from the WLE will not add much further information- and whilst this may be frustrating it is also good news- ie the lesion was removed in full initially and the WLE has removed a further margin of healthy tissue – so that the chances of local spread if melanoma are greatly reduced.

      Have a look here  for some more info -http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/dysplastic-nevi/dysplastic-nevi-warning-signs-and-images#panel1-2

      A 2 mm mole is very small , and the odds are stacked in your favour that even if it was starting to evolve you have had treatment and all will be well. Best of wishes for the results..

      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      My melanaoma evolved in asmall part of a mole which was initially a common or garden dysplasic nevi- sounds like the pathologist can't rule this out with certainty in your case and has asked for the WLE to be on the safe side.

      Good news-  It has been removed early whilst small.  As melanomas evolve overtime you may never have certainty other than that a mole which was possibly problematical now or in the future has been removed – and so is less likely to cause any further difficulty than if it had been left under observation for a while. It is quite likely that the results from the WLE will not add much further information- and whilst this may be frustrating it is also good news- ie the lesion was removed in full initially and the WLE has removed a further margin of healthy tissue – so that the chances of local spread if melanoma are greatly reduced.

      Have a look here  for some more info -http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/dysplastic-nevi/dysplastic-nevi-warning-signs-and-images#panel1-2

      A 2 mm mole is very small , and the odds are stacked in your favour that even if it was starting to evolve you have had treatment and all will be well. Best of wishes for the results..

      debwray
      Participant

      Hi,

      My melanaoma evolved in asmall part of a mole which was initially a common or garden dysplasic nevi- sounds like the pathologist can't rule this out with certainty in your case and has asked for the WLE to be on the safe side.

      Good news-  It has been removed early whilst small.  As melanomas evolve overtime you may never have certainty other than that a mole which was possibly problematical now or in the future has been removed – and so is less likely to cause any further difficulty than if it had been left under observation for a while. It is quite likely that the results from the WLE will not add much further information- and whilst this may be frustrating it is also good news- ie the lesion was removed in full initially and the WLE has removed a further margin of healthy tissue – so that the chances of local spread if melanoma are greatly reduced.

      Have a look here  for some more info -http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/dysplastic-nevi/dysplastic-nevi-warning-signs-and-images#panel1-2

      A 2 mm mole is very small , and the odds are stacked in your favour that even if it was starting to evolve you have had treatment and all will be well. Best of wishes for the results..

        Vas
        Participant

        Thanks for the reply! I should be getting results back Monday or Tuesday. Fingers crossed. 

         

        Vas. 

        Vas
        Participant

        Thanks for the reply! I should be getting results back Monday or Tuesday. Fingers crossed. 

         

        Vas. 

        Vas
        Participant

        Thanks for the reply! I should be getting results back Monday or Tuesday. Fingers crossed. 

         

        Vas. 

      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi

      i had the same experience with my biopsy. The derm path at Emory couldn't make the determination and sent it to UCLA (Barnhill) for his opinion.  That came back indeterminate as well.  I had a SLNB which came back with cells in my nod.  Even then, it was deemed uncertain if in fact it was melanoma.  There was enough evidence to treat it as such, so I followed the care plan.  I asked my Onc at Sloan Kettering ( I decided to be seen there instead of Emory) who said sometimes there is no clearcut answer and that these diagnoses sometimes fall within a gray area.  My opinion was if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, let's call it a duck just to be safe.

      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi

      i had the same experience with my biopsy. The derm path at Emory couldn't make the determination and sent it to UCLA (Barnhill) for his opinion.  That came back indeterminate as well.  I had a SLNB which came back with cells in my nod.  Even then, it was deemed uncertain if in fact it was melanoma.  There was enough evidence to treat it as such, so I followed the care plan.  I asked my Onc at Sloan Kettering ( I decided to be seen there instead of Emory) who said sometimes there is no clearcut answer and that these diagnoses sometimes fall within a gray area.  My opinion was if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, let's call it a duck just to be safe.

      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi

      i had the same experience with my biopsy. The derm path at Emory couldn't make the determination and sent it to UCLA (Barnhill) for his opinion.  That came back indeterminate as well.  I had a SLNB which came back with cells in my nod.  Even then, it was deemed uncertain if in fact it was melanoma.  There was enough evidence to treat it as such, so I followed the care plan.  I asked my Onc at Sloan Kettering ( I decided to be seen there instead of Emory) who said sometimes there is no clearcut answer and that these diagnoses sometimes fall within a gray area.  My opinion was if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, let's call it a duck just to be safe.

        Vas
        Participant

        That's what worries me, is there a chance that it comes back rated higher ? And if so why weren't they able to see it on the first biopsy ?

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        That's what worries me, is there a chance that it comes back rated higher ? And if so why weren't they able to see it on the first biopsy ?

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        That's what worries me, is there a chance that it comes back rated higher ? And if so why weren't they able to see it on the first biopsy ?

         

         

        Vas

        SABKLYN
        Participant

        Not really sure about that.  The fact that it is determinate in my mind tips the scale in your favor?  You may want to ask Janner or Bubbles, both of whom have quite a bit more expertise

        SABKLYN
        Participant

        Not really sure about that.  The fact that it is determinate in my mind tips the scale in your favor?  You may want to ask Janner or Bubbles, both of whom have quite a bit more expertise

        SABKLYN
        Participant

        Not really sure about that.  The fact that it is determinate in my mind tips the scale in your favor?  You may want to ask Janner or Bubbles, both of whom have quite a bit more expertise

        Vas
        Participant

        Thank, Janner, Bubbles, or if anyone else would like to comment it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank again.

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thank, Janner, Bubbles, or if anyone else would like to comment it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank again.

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thank, Janner, Bubbles, or if anyone else would like to comment it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank again.

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thank, Janner, Bubbles, or if anyone else would like to comment it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank again.

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thank, Janner, Bubbles, or if anyone else would like to comment it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank again.

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thank, Janner, Bubbles, or if anyone else would like to comment it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank again.

         

         

        Vas

        debwray
        Participant

        Hello again,

        I have found that if you deal with bad news when and if it happens you save yourself a lot of grief- but having said that I still get nervous before getting scan results and with melanoma NED- no evidence of disease – is about as good as it gets. 

        If the lesion was only 2 mm its odds on they took it all first time – and your new excision is precautionary to minimise the risk of local spread by ensuring an appropriate safety margin in light of the path report saying melanoma can't be excluded. Regardless of what the report says on Mon/ Tues- you have already had appropriat treatment. assuming a worse case.  I would always prefer my docs to take a precautionary course of action.. and head off possible future problems, if this is fairly straightforward- as seems to be the case here. 

        Hang on in there-as has been said- in some instances with a small amount of tissue , and early changes… it can be difficult to pronounce with certainty – and the WLE is most likely to declare no problems with the tissue in the safety margin…

        Hubby always lays on distraction activities when we are in the waiting stage-concerts, cinema etc etc so I don't have too much time to dwell on what ifs….Might be worth a try ?? Please let us know how it turns out- 

         

         

         

        debwray
        Participant

        Hello again,

        I have found that if you deal with bad news when and if it happens you save yourself a lot of grief- but having said that I still get nervous before getting scan results and with melanoma NED- no evidence of disease – is about as good as it gets. 

        If the lesion was only 2 mm its odds on they took it all first time – and your new excision is precautionary to minimise the risk of local spread by ensuring an appropriate safety margin in light of the path report saying melanoma can't be excluded. Regardless of what the report says on Mon/ Tues- you have already had appropriat treatment. assuming a worse case.  I would always prefer my docs to take a precautionary course of action.. and head off possible future problems, if this is fairly straightforward- as seems to be the case here. 

        Hang on in there-as has been said- in some instances with a small amount of tissue , and early changes… it can be difficult to pronounce with certainty – and the WLE is most likely to declare no problems with the tissue in the safety margin…

        Hubby always lays on distraction activities when we are in the waiting stage-concerts, cinema etc etc so I don't have too much time to dwell on what ifs….Might be worth a try ?? Please let us know how it turns out- 

         

         

         

        debwray
        Participant

        Hello again,

        I have found that if you deal with bad news when and if it happens you save yourself a lot of grief- but having said that I still get nervous before getting scan results and with melanoma NED- no evidence of disease – is about as good as it gets. 

        If the lesion was only 2 mm its odds on they took it all first time – and your new excision is precautionary to minimise the risk of local spread by ensuring an appropriate safety margin in light of the path report saying melanoma can't be excluded. Regardless of what the report says on Mon/ Tues- you have already had appropriat treatment. assuming a worse case.  I would always prefer my docs to take a precautionary course of action.. and head off possible future problems, if this is fairly straightforward- as seems to be the case here. 

        Hang on in there-as has been said- in some instances with a small amount of tissue , and early changes… it can be difficult to pronounce with certainty – and the WLE is most likely to declare no problems with the tissue in the safety margin…

        Hubby always lays on distraction activities when we are in the waiting stage-concerts, cinema etc etc so I don't have too much time to dwell on what ifs….Might be worth a try ?? Please let us know how it turns out- 

         

         

         

        Vas
        Participant

        Thanks again! Will keep you posted 

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thanks again! Will keep you posted 

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Thanks again! Will keep you posted 

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Still no answer! Just called the lab, they are telling me they just want to make sure as its the second biopsy.  Maybe anither day…..Wow, I'm really getting worried !

         

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Still no answer! Just called the lab, they are telling me they just want to make sure as its the second biopsy.  Maybe anither day…..Wow, I'm really getting worried !

         

         

         

        Vas

        Vas
        Participant

        Still no answer! Just called the lab, they are telling me they just want to make sure as its the second biopsy.  Maybe anither day…..Wow, I'm really getting worried !

         

         

         

        Vas

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