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Accurate Lab Recommendation?

Forums Cutaneous Melanoma Community Accurate Lab Recommendation?

  • Post
    sbnasir
    Participant

      During a recent checkup, my dermatoligist found a very small (tip of a fine point Sharpie) mole on my upper abdomen, an area that does not see much sun, she did not like.  It was removed two weeks later and the lab results are as follows.  

      "This is a bisected shave specimen showing ested atypical melanocytes along the dermal epidermal junction and within the papillary dermis.  There is associated papillary dermal chronic fibrosis with reactive vessels and chronic inflamation.  The degree of inflammation suggests regression/halo reaction.

      Immonoperoxidase staining with MiTF does not show basal layer confluece or upward migration.  Dual staining with Ki-67 amd Mart-1 does not show an increased proliferative index in the dermal component.

      This is a compound nevus with sever atypia.  The margins appear free of tumor in the planes of section.  Nonetheless, a wider excision with at least 3 to 5 mm margins is recommended."

      I have dozens of other moles on my body.  Some have been removed in the past with no mention of such negative lab results.  Is the the recommendation to remove an additional, wider section the best course of action?

      Thanks!

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    • Replies
        Janner
        Participant

          In general, severely atypical lesions usually warrant 5mm margins. 

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