MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Newly diagnosed
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Newly diagnosed

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Newly diagnosed

  • Post
    • September 3, 2017 at 2:04 am
    Leigh S
    Participant

      Morning all,

      I recently had 2 x suspect moles biopsied and removed by my GP. One was clear but the second not so much. Have attached the pathologists report re the second one. To say this is absolutely terrifying is an understatement. Any help interpreting the report would be greatly appreciated!

      ' Sections show a biopsy of sun damaged skin extending to deep dermis with a junctional melanocytic proliferation. The lesion shows some features of irritation including pigment in incontinence and some pigment in the stratum corneum however there is assymetry to the distribution of melanocytes as well as some upward migration and cytological atypia of melanocytes with macro nucleoli. A sox 10 immunoperoxidase stain highlights the melanocytic proliferation. The possibility that this lesion represents a dysplastic junctional naevus with features of trauma is considered, however, given the constellation of features the appearance is best regarded as representing evolving melanoma in situ. The lesion is 1.1mm from the nearest inked margin '

       

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 3, 2017 at 2:49 am
        Janner
        Participant

          So the pathologist could say this was an atypical lesion or in situ and he is erring on the more aggressive diagnosis of EARLY melanoma in situ.  Basically, this means the lesion is confined to the epidermis and basically lacks the ability to spread because there are no blood or lymph vessels in the epidermis.  (Nothing is 100% but the reality is an extremely good prognosis).  The next step is just having wider margins taken.  That's it.  Then continue to watch your moles for any change, practice sun safety, and move on.  You did good catching this extremely early.  About 10% of melanoma patients will have another primary melanoma (not a recurrence but a separate and unrelated lesion) – but 90% don't.  Chances are extremely good that you will never deal with melanoma again.

            • September 3, 2017 at 2:55 am
            Leigh S
            Participant

              Janner, thank you so much for the speedy response and encouraging words. I'm still to have the appointment with the local hospitals mel unit to I guess, arrange the procedure but this certainly settles the nerves somewhat. I appreciate your honest opinion. Cheers Leigh.

            • September 3, 2017 at 4:04 pm
            Jac1211
            Participant

              I was recently diagnosed with early Melanoma in situ as well. It's scary, I understand the emotions. The great news as my derm told me is you caught it at the earliest possible stage. And even better it is evolving / early! Now you know it's important to stay aware of changes and on top of follow ups but its also important to not let it take over your thoughts. I know easier said than done, glad there's a good community and support on this forum.

                • September 3, 2017 at 4:06 pm
                Jac1211
                Participant

                  furthermore, just like the other comment, the outlook is great for in situ. Most patients go on to never have another issue again 🙂  

                  • September 3, 2017 at 10:49 pm
                  Leigh S
                  Participant

                    Hey, thank you for your reply and reassuring words. The last few days since my diagnosis have been dark times, but I am starting to feel a little more positive about things. 🙂

                  • September 7, 2017 at 4:16 pm
                  Beth Reilly-Stark
                  Participant

                    Hi,

                    I'm actually in the very same situation as yourself. I got the results earlier this week and saw a plastic surgeon about having the next surgery, I'm flicking between quite calm/grateful for finding it when I did and totally terrified/crying. 

                Viewing 2 reply threads

                Tagged: 

                • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                About the MRF Patient Forum

                The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                Popular Topics