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Waiting for Biopsy Results

Forums General Melanoma Community Waiting for Biopsy Results

  • Post
    ashich
    Participant

      I am waiting for the results of a biopsy done yesterday. I was told to expect a call in 7-10 business days, so I guess I have another 6-9 to go. I'm not really sure what I'm looking for here. Maybe just a place to share my story.

      About 6 weeks ago, I accidentally ripped off a lifelong mole with my finger nail. It did rip off quite easily, which I know is a red flag. The mole has always been slightly raised and mostly skin-colored, with milk chocolate pigmentation in the left corner. I know that isn't normal, but I was always told it wasn't worrisome since it had always been that way. After it ripped off, the skin healed on its own within about a week and a half. Within a month, the mole was back and looking pretty much how it had before. I was concerned about how easily it had come off though, so I saw my regular derm. She looked at it with a dermascope and didn't really say much or seem too concerned, but asked me to come back in two weeks (yesterday) just so she could check it again and make sure it was alright before I left town for college (this Friday).

      Last week, I saw a different doctor for a second opinion, mostly out of paranoia and a desire to be sure. This derm also looked at it through a dermacope and her exact words were "this pigment looks great" and "it looks fine to me." That put my mind at ease and I went to my regular derm yesterday expecting to have her comments echoed. 

      Excpet my derm looked at it again (sans dermascope this time, I think. It's on the back of my shoulder and I wasn't watching her that closely, so I can't be sure) and decided she wanted to take it off. She didn't really say why or tell me what the red flags were. She just said she wanted to make sure there were no "abnormal cells." When I asked her what to expect from the results, all she told me was that she didn't think it looked "severely abnormal or anything."

      It worries me that I got the all clear from one doctor, but then got such vague responses from my regular doctor. I know the mole has always been there and has always been raised. I know there has been one corner of pigment. However, I'm not sure if the pigmented area has grown or changed at all over time. When I think about it, I think maybe it has, but that may just be my anxiety. 

      I'm really scared that it ripped off so easily because I have heard that is a sign of advanced disease. But could a board-certified, trained dermatologist typically look at advanced melanoma through a dermacope and determine it had "great pigment?" Would it appear more innocuous than it actually is because it recently grew back?

      For reference, my regular derm is actually an FNP. She practiced as an RN for seven years, and started working in dermatology as an FNP about two years ago. The second opinion doctor, who thought the pigment "looked great," was a board-certified dermatologist (an actual MD) who seems to have been practicing for about 11 years. 

      I know nothing can diagnose but this biopsy, but would it be typical for a lesion to "look great" under a dermascope, but turn out to be advanced melanoma?

      I'm likely being overdramatic about the whole thing, but I'm an otherwise healthy 21-year-old getting ready to start my senior year of college and suddenly I'm imagining all of that being derailed by a huge cancer battle. I'm afraid of never getting to have a career or kids.  

      I'm just trying to figure out what I should realistically be prepared to hear when I get my results. I don't want to be completely caught off gaurd.  

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        Brice311
        Participant
          Im waiting biopsy results for a new, asymmetrical, dark mole on the back of my thigh. I totally fear the worst because I have a history of having atypical moles. Fingers crossed for both you and me that we are in the clear. Keep us posted.
            KMick
            Participant

              I have had several biopsies since my melanoma diagnosis.  Two of the moles that were ultimately determined to be benign after a biopsy have since grown back.  Just wanted to ease your mind that not all moles that grow back end up being "bad".  Try not to over-think it and worry yourself.  Easier said than done but worry does no good and if you ultimately get bad news then you can deal with it then.  Pre-worry is a waste.  I know easy to say when you're not the one waiting for the phone call.  Been there, trust me, I know.  Stay calm and talk care.  

              KMick
              Participant

                I have had several biopsies since my melanoma diagnosis.  Two of the moles that were ultimately determined to be benign after a biopsy have since grown back.  Just wanted to ease your mind that not all moles that grow back end up being "bad".  Try not to over-think it and worry yourself.  Easier said than done but worry does no good and if you ultimately get bad news then you can deal with it then.  Pre-worry is a waste.  I know easy to say when you're not the one waiting for the phone call.  Been there, trust me, I know.  Stay calm and talk care.  

                KMick
                Participant

                  I have had several biopsies since my melanoma diagnosis.  Two of the moles that were ultimately determined to be benign after a biopsy have since grown back.  Just wanted to ease your mind that not all moles that grow back end up being "bad".  Try not to over-think it and worry yourself.  Easier said than done but worry does no good and if you ultimately get bad news then you can deal with it then.  Pre-worry is a waste.  I know easy to say when you're not the one waiting for the phone call.  Been there, trust me, I know.  Stay calm and talk care.  

                Brice311
                Participant
                  Im waiting biopsy results for a new, asymmetrical, dark mole on the back of my thigh. I totally fear the worst because I have a history of having atypical moles. Fingers crossed for both you and me that we are in the clear. Keep us posted.
                  Brice311
                  Participant
                    Im waiting biopsy results for a new, asymmetrical, dark mole on the back of my thigh. I totally fear the worst because I have a history of having atypical moles. Fingers crossed for both you and me that we are in the clear. Keep us posted.
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