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Pathology Report

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    • November 24, 2018 at 3:15 am
    MrsC
    Participant

      I recently had 3 moles removed for testing.  2 of the 3 moles came back with a MART-1 immunochistochemical stain.  Does this mean they are positive for melanoma?  Or not necessarily?  

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        • November 24, 2018 at 3:13 pm
        SABKLYN
        Participant

           the short answer is not necessarily.   Here’s a paragraph describing ….

          The MART-1/melan-A antigen is specific for the melanocyte lineage, found in normal skin, the retina, and melanocytes, but not in other normal tissues. It is thus useful as a marker for melanocytic tumors (melanomas) with the caveat that it is normally found in benign nevi as well.

          So it would appear it is a sign but not definitive whether it is or isn’t melanoma.  The full derm path report will give the determination.

          Good luck!

           

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