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Doc tells me superficial -no worries – but path shows pT1B -do I need 2nd opinion?
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Doc tells me superficial -no worries – but path shows pT1B -do I need 2nd opinion?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Doc tells me superficial -no worries – but path shows pT1B -do I need 2nd opinion?

  • Post
    • July 26, 2016 at 3:26 pm
    Mike Tennessee
    Participant

      I had a growth removed from scalp and doc said path results were superficial melanoma. He first did a shave biopsy and said it was "nothing to worry about as it was in situ" per the results of the initial path.    But he then excised the area and sent for a biopsy of the margins.  Again, said no problems – it was in situ.  I got copies of initial and 2nd biopsy report and it is stated on the first report "Superficially invasive melanoma arising in melanoma in situ, lentigo malign type, melanoma in situ pesent at peripheral biopsy margin." Stage pT1b, Breslow: .30mm, Mitoses, 1, no Ulceration.

      Path report from 2nd biopsy states no evidence of residual invasive or in situ melalnoma.

      Did the doc read the path report correctly?  How can it be both in situ and invasive?  And do I need a 2nd opinion or any other treatment? 

       

       

       

       

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 26, 2016 at 3:33 pm
        slh4448
        Participant

          Hello, I'm fairly new here and doing ongoing research of my own of course. I can't really answer your question pertaining to did the Dr. read the report correctly…my initial thought would be no.

          To your second question about obtaining a second opinion….ABSOLUTELY!!!! I have three opinions on my diagnosis and that includes MD Anderson. I would definitely encourage you to seek out a second opinion at the very least, if not a third opinion but specifically from doctors who work specifically with melanoma and not in the general sense.

          This site is a good source of information!  Good Luck!!

          Stacy

           

          • July 26, 2016 at 3:33 pm
          slh4448
          Participant

            Hello, I'm fairly new here and doing ongoing research of my own of course. I can't really answer your question pertaining to did the Dr. read the report correctly…my initial thought would be no.

            To your second question about obtaining a second opinion….ABSOLUTELY!!!! I have three opinions on my diagnosis and that includes MD Anderson. I would definitely encourage you to seek out a second opinion at the very least, if not a third opinion but specifically from doctors who work specifically with melanoma and not in the general sense.

            This site is a good source of information!  Good Luck!!

            Stacy

             

            • July 26, 2016 at 3:33 pm
            slh4448
            Participant

              Hello, I'm fairly new here and doing ongoing research of my own of course. I can't really answer your question pertaining to did the Dr. read the report correctly…my initial thought would be no.

              To your second question about obtaining a second opinion….ABSOLUTELY!!!! I have three opinions on my diagnosis and that includes MD Anderson. I would definitely encourage you to seek out a second opinion at the very least, if not a third opinion but specifically from doctors who work specifically with melanoma and not in the general sense.

              This site is a good source of information!  Good Luck!!

              Stacy

               

              • July 26, 2016 at 5:09 pm
              Janner
              Participant

                Lentigo Maligna tends to be a type seen in sun damaged areas – it also tends to be slow growing.  Tends to grow on the surface more than grow downward.  It also can be stubborn to remove and can recur locally.  So I think you can assume most of the lesion was in situ but there was a portion that was invasive.  The margins only had in situ.  Your lesion is stage 1b, not stage 0. 

                Second opinion, certainly if you feel like your doc is not giving you the straight story.  Also, watch your scar closely because this type of lesion has the highest LOCAL recurrence rate.  Even though the WLE says clean margins, it isn't a guarantee that all cells were removed.   Could be but this is one you want to watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth.

                • July 26, 2016 at 5:09 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  Lentigo Maligna tends to be a type seen in sun damaged areas – it also tends to be slow growing.  Tends to grow on the surface more than grow downward.  It also can be stubborn to remove and can recur locally.  So I think you can assume most of the lesion was in situ but there was a portion that was invasive.  The margins only had in situ.  Your lesion is stage 1b, not stage 0. 

                  Second opinion, certainly if you feel like your doc is not giving you the straight story.  Also, watch your scar closely because this type of lesion has the highest LOCAL recurrence rate.  Even though the WLE says clean margins, it isn't a guarantee that all cells were removed.   Could be but this is one you want to watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth.

                  • July 26, 2016 at 5:09 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Lentigo Maligna tends to be a type seen in sun damaged areas – it also tends to be slow growing.  Tends to grow on the surface more than grow downward.  It also can be stubborn to remove and can recur locally.  So I think you can assume most of the lesion was in situ but there was a portion that was invasive.  The margins only had in situ.  Your lesion is stage 1b, not stage 0. 

                    Second opinion, certainly if you feel like your doc is not giving you the straight story.  Also, watch your scar closely because this type of lesion has the highest LOCAL recurrence rate.  Even though the WLE says clean margins, it isn't a guarantee that all cells were removed.   Could be but this is one you want to watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth.

                    • July 30, 2016 at 4:26 am
                    Lhawkins
                    Participant

                      Please get another opinion, melanoma must be checked and re-checked. It's not worth taking any chances on.

                      • July 30, 2016 at 4:26 am
                      Lhawkins
                      Participant

                        Please get another opinion, melanoma must be checked and re-checked. It's not worth taking any chances on.

                        • July 30, 2016 at 4:26 am
                        Lhawkins
                        Participant

                          Please get another opinion, melanoma must be checked and re-checked. It's not worth taking any chances on.

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