› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Please help me understand the biopsy report
- This topic has 6 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 2 months ago by
fleurdelis82.
- Post
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:33 pm
I recently had three moles biopsied, and the dermatologist called to let me know that everything is benign and no further treatment is necessary. However, the biopsy report got me worried. Please help me understand: 1. What it means; and 2. If there is any danger in case the moles come back. I am especially concerned about mole A as it already seems to be darkening in the biopsy site. Also, even though it says clear margins, it seems like a tiny spec of brown pigment have been left behind. I would like to know, in case moles A and B recur, if they need to be re-excised, or if anything else may be necessary.
FINAL DIAGNOSIS
A. Skin, right navel: junctional melanocytic nevus with moderate dysplasia and melanopgahes. The margins are clear in the planes of section examined. Note: stain for melanin A is positive.
B. Skin, right lower abdomen: junctional melanocytic nevus with moderate dysplasia. The margins are clear in the planes of section examined.
C. Skin, right thigh: solar lentigo.Also, moles A and B looked very similar and were located in the same area on my stomach. I have two smaller moles that look very similar to those. So I am assuming those smaller moles may also be atypical? Do I need to have them excised as well? Will it reduce my melanoma risk?
- Replies
-
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:39 pm
You had two moderately atypical lesions and a freckle. None were likely to ever become melanoma. All have clear margins. What you might be seeing in the one biopsy area is either blood or a stitch. If the pigment does recur, however, it is best to show it to your derm.
Were either of the moles changing? Are your other moles changing? If not, they're likely never to change and they are fine to leave just as they are. TAKE PHOTOS and watch for change. Changing moles don't have to be melanoma, but they should be shown to a derm at the very least. And no, it will not reduce your melanoma risk by removing any mole you think is atypical. 50% of melanomas arise on new moles. Just watch for change and for that ugly duckling!
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:39 pm
You had two moderately atypical lesions and a freckle. None were likely to ever become melanoma. All have clear margins. What you might be seeing in the one biopsy area is either blood or a stitch. If the pigment does recur, however, it is best to show it to your derm.
Were either of the moles changing? Are your other moles changing? If not, they're likely never to change and they are fine to leave just as they are. TAKE PHOTOS and watch for change. Changing moles don't have to be melanoma, but they should be shown to a derm at the very least. And no, it will not reduce your melanoma risk by removing any mole you think is atypical. 50% of melanomas arise on new moles. Just watch for change and for that ugly duckling!
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:39 pm
You had two moderately atypical lesions and a freckle. None were likely to ever become melanoma. All have clear margins. What you might be seeing in the one biopsy area is either blood or a stitch. If the pigment does recur, however, it is best to show it to your derm.
Were either of the moles changing? Are your other moles changing? If not, they're likely never to change and they are fine to leave just as they are. TAKE PHOTOS and watch for change. Changing moles don't have to be melanoma, but they should be shown to a derm at the very least. And no, it will not reduce your melanoma risk by removing any mole you think is atypical. 50% of melanomas arise on new moles. Just watch for change and for that ugly duckling!
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Thank you very much for your response, Janner. I actually was concerned about a freckle (mole C) as it seemed to be new. However, the derm pointed out at the two moles on my stomach (A and B) and suggested to biopsy them as well. Those moles were not changing (as far as I can tell). I had five other moles biopsied in the previous years and all were normal.
I am very vigilant about my skin and I even own a dermoscope, so I am quite sure that the pigment in the biopsy site from the mole A is returning. Is it something that needs to be addressed? And if so, how soon? Is it Ok to wait until my yearly skin check in about 10 months?
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Thank you very much for your response, Janner. I actually was concerned about a freckle (mole C) as it seemed to be new. However, the derm pointed out at the two moles on my stomach (A and B) and suggested to biopsy them as well. Those moles were not changing (as far as I can tell). I had five other moles biopsied in the previous years and all were normal.
I am very vigilant about my skin and I even own a dermoscope, so I am quite sure that the pigment in the biopsy site from the mole A is returning. Is it something that needs to be addressed? And if so, how soon? Is it Ok to wait until my yearly skin check in about 10 months?
-
- December 31, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Thank you very much for your response, Janner. I actually was concerned about a freckle (mole C) as it seemed to be new. However, the derm pointed out at the two moles on my stomach (A and B) and suggested to biopsy them as well. Those moles were not changing (as far as I can tell). I had five other moles biopsied in the previous years and all were normal.
I am very vigilant about my skin and I even own a dermoscope, so I am quite sure that the pigment in the biopsy site from the mole A is returning. Is it something that needs to be addressed? And if so, how soon? Is it Ok to wait until my yearly skin check in about 10 months?
-
Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.