Hello! Please assist me with some of my questions- as I am so anxious! I am a 29 year old Caucasian female. No family history of melanoma and some tanning during my teen years, less than 5 major sunburns. I have at least 60+ moles on my body. I went to a dermatologist after my baby was born 6 months ago for cosmetic purposes, and the dermatologist recommended a biopsy of a mole located on my left cheek. I’ve had this mole for about 10 years. It appears it has slowly changed (after looking at old pictures); got a bit bigger and darker. I didn’t notice the change myself as it happened so slowly. She described the mole as ‘4.5mm dark brown macule with gray central speckling. Lesion looks different than others.’ Given the sensitive location of this face and my line of work has to do with my looks, I am very worried about it—- not to mention possiblity of having melanoma- which is so shocking. Which biopsy produces the least scar? My dermatologist recommended a shave biopsy and stated if it comes back severely atypical or melanoma, he would do MOHS (he’s trained in that). My mother in law has had a few shave biopsies on her arms and they all left an ‘ulcer’ look to them, which didn’t seem to heal well. Research also states if it’s suspected melanoma, they recommend punch. If he suspected melanoma, why would he suggest a shave? There is research out there that contradicts the need for re-excision of severely atypical moles. In that case would it be better to have him take out the entire mole with 1-2mm margins as a ‘one and done’ approach? I’m also trying not to panic that because I’ve had this mole for so many years, that I could have had malignant melanoma for over a decade! Any advice would be helpful.
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