help with atypical mole biopsy report
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.

help with atypical mole biopsy report

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › help with atypical mole biopsy report

  • Post
    • October 2, 2013 at 8:44 pm
    angie23
    Participant

      HI! I was wondering if anyone could help me understand part of a pathology report from a mole that I had removed.

      I have several atypical moles. A few years ago I had a moderately atypical mole removed that was followed by a WLE. So I was not surprise  last week that the mole I had biopsied was moderately atypical.

      The biopsy was an excisional biopsy. The nurse said that it was completely removed so I did not need a WLE. I was surprised. Is this normal?

      When I looked at the copy of the report it stated that " the lesion is not identified at the edges of the specimen." Does this mean that the margins are clear?

      I have recently moved to a new city and this is a new dermatologist for me. I just tend to get really nervous! Any information I would greatly appreciate!

      Thanks!!!
      Angie

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 3, 2013 at 1:46 am
        Janner
        Participant

          There really is no "standard protocol" for atypical moles – except possibly severely atypical.  Those usually require 5mm margins.  I'd be unwilling to leave a moderately atypical mole if it didn't have clear margins, but your lesion has clear margins and that seems ok to me.  As with all mole removals, I'd watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth.  If anything looks like it is growing back, I'd request it be removed again.  So personally, I'd probably be ok with your scenario but that's ME.  YOU need to be ok with what is going on.  If you're not, talk more to your derm and see his/her rationale.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

            • October 4, 2013 at 1:02 am
            angie23
            Participant

              Thank you Janner for your response! I appreciate it! I did call and speak with the nurse and she said that they do a re-excision if the margins are not clear but since mine are clear then I do not need it done. I tend to worry alot but I am trying not to and be diligent in my mole checks and being aware of any changes.

              Thank you!

              • October 4, 2013 at 1:02 am
              angie23
              Participant

                Thank you Janner for your response! I appreciate it! I did call and speak with the nurse and she said that they do a re-excision if the margins are not clear but since mine are clear then I do not need it done. I tend to worry alot but I am trying not to and be diligent in my mole checks and being aware of any changes.

                Thank you!

                • October 4, 2013 at 1:02 am
                angie23
                Participant

                  Thank you Janner for your response! I appreciate it! I did call and speak with the nurse and she said that they do a re-excision if the margins are not clear but since mine are clear then I do not need it done. I tend to worry alot but I am trying not to and be diligent in my mole checks and being aware of any changes.

                  Thank you!

                • October 3, 2013 at 1:46 am
                Janner
                Participant

                  There really is no "standard protocol" for atypical moles – except possibly severely atypical.  Those usually require 5mm margins.  I'd be unwilling to leave a moderately atypical mole if it didn't have clear margins, but your lesion has clear margins and that seems ok to me.  As with all mole removals, I'd watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth.  If anything looks like it is growing back, I'd request it be removed again.  So personally, I'd probably be ok with your scenario but that's ME.  YOU need to be ok with what is going on.  If you're not, talk more to your derm and see his/her rationale.

                  Best wishes,

                  Janner

                  • October 3, 2013 at 1:46 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    There really is no "standard protocol" for atypical moles – except possibly severely atypical.  Those usually require 5mm margins.  I'd be unwilling to leave a moderately atypical mole if it didn't have clear margins, but your lesion has clear margins and that seems ok to me.  As with all mole removals, I'd watch the scar area for any pigment regrowth.  If anything looks like it is growing back, I'd request it be removed again.  So personally, I'd probably be ok with your scenario but that's ME.  YOU need to be ok with what is going on.  If you're not, talk more to your derm and see his/her rationale.

                    Best wishes,

                    Janner

                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.