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New here and confused by pathology report

Forums Cutaneous Melanoma Community New here and confused by pathology report

  • Post
    Laura mrf
    Participant
      Hello,
      I received my pathology report today following an excisional biopsy and hope you can help me understand some of the terminology. First, let me say how much I have come to admire the courage I have witnessed on this board since finding it two weeks ago. You are all going through so much and I know my problems are minimal or even non-existent compared to everyone here! I am not sure I would have the fortitude to be facing this disease with the grace that you have shown.

      My background: I grew up very outdoorsy (in the 60s and 70s we played outside until the streetlights came on!), beaches, camping, and in my teens, working on the family farm. I have almost all the risk factors as far as physical appearance and sunburn history, although my last sunburn was probably 25 years ago or more. Until 2010 I enjoyed very good health, but that year almost simultaneously was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma and tall cell variant thyroid cancer. I see oncologists every 6 months for thyroid follow up, and go for regular screenings for skin cancer and my dermatologist at MSK has taken lots of photos. I know I am lucky to have had just a BCC!

      My skin screenings are every 6 months. Two weeks ago I had an excisional biopsy because a spot on my back had changed significantly (much spread, bi or tri color, pseudopods). I wasn’t too worried because the area had been biopsied by a local dr in 2010 so I knew a recurrent mole could look more scary than it actually is. I got the stitches out today and asked for a copy of the pathology report, thanks to reading this board! OK, I guess I was more worried than I wanted to admit because I have read the messages here daily. Also, in today’s mail I received the very simplified results. I will share both so hopefully I can understand whether no cancer was found, or there was cancer but the excision removed it all.

      The simple report in the mail has choices. The first line says “Biopsy report is benign and does not require any follow up”. That one is not checked! The next one down is checked, and says “The re-excision is clear and no further treatment is required.”

      The pathology report says the specimen was 1.8 x 1.0 x 0.6 cm .
      Clinical diagnosis: some increased pigment within scar noted. Rule out recurrent nevus. 9×6 mm.
      Diagnosis from pathologist: residual/recurrent paracicatricial compound nevus with atypical features, margins negative.
      Comment: the residual nevus shows lentiginous intraepidermal growth of atypical melanocytes and dermal architectural disorder. There are also background lentigines.

      I am guessing there is no cause for concern and of course can call the office tomorrow. I’m just confused if they caught something or there was nothing there! Thank you for any insight you can provide. I know you all have much greater concerns!
      Best to everyone,
      Laura

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        Janner
        Participant

          So there are some atypical cells in the scar.  Yes, all cells look worse in scar tissue.  But it looks like some of the previous mole grew back.  There also appear to be freckles / lentigos.  But the area was re-excised with clear margins so basically nothing more needs to happen.  I'd say no cause for concern.  Just watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth and for any other moles that change!

          Janner

          Janner
          Participant

            So there are some atypical cells in the scar.  Yes, all cells look worse in scar tissue.  But it looks like some of the previous mole grew back.  There also appear to be freckles / lentigos.  But the area was re-excised with clear margins so basically nothing more needs to happen.  I'd say no cause for concern.  Just watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth and for any other moles that change!

            Janner

            Janner
            Participant

              So there are some atypical cells in the scar.  Yes, all cells look worse in scar tissue.  But it looks like some of the previous mole grew back.  There also appear to be freckles / lentigos.  But the area was re-excised with clear margins so basically nothing more needs to happen.  I'd say no cause for concern.  Just watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth and for any other moles that change!

              Janner

                Laura mrf
                Participant
                  Hello Janner,
                  Thank you so very much for taking time to reply to my long post! I was confused by the “intraepidermal” reference and was hoping to see the word “benign” right there in the report! But, I understand the dermopathologists have their own lingo so believe me, I know I am lucky! I will remain vigilant and now know to really keep an eye on all the other previously biopsied nevi. Best wishes to everyone here for recovery and happiness. You have something very special in this community. Thank you for answering my questions. I hope to help as an advocate for MRF.
                  Laura
                  Laura mrf
                  Participant
                    Hello Janner,
                    Thank you so very much for taking time to reply to my long post! I was confused by the “intraepidermal” reference and was hoping to see the word “benign” right there in the report! But, I understand the dermopathologists have their own lingo so believe me, I know I am lucky! I will remain vigilant and now know to really keep an eye on all the other previously biopsied nevi. Best wishes to everyone here for recovery and happiness. You have something very special in this community. Thank you for answering my questions. I hope to help as an advocate for MRF.
                    Laura
                    Laura mrf
                    Participant
                      Hello Janner,
                      Thank you so very much for taking time to reply to my long post! I was confused by the “intraepidermal” reference and was hoping to see the word “benign” right there in the report! But, I understand the dermopathologists have their own lingo so believe me, I know I am lucky! I will remain vigilant and now know to really keep an eye on all the other previously biopsied nevi. Best wishes to everyone here for recovery and happiness. You have something very special in this community. Thank you for answering my questions. I hope to help as an advocate for MRF.
                      Laura
                Viewing 2 reply threads
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