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Biopsy question
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Biopsy question

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Biopsy question

  • Post
    • December 10, 2015 at 9:59 pm
    Lindsayblueyes
    Participant
      Hello everyone. I’ve been lurking here since Sept but haven’t posted until now. I’m a 35 yr old female and was diagnosed with an insitu melanoma on Sept 23rd. Margins were found to be clear after WLE. I’ve since had 4 more biopsies. I have atypical mole syndrome and have had several biopsies over the years. I also have a paternal uncle as well as first cousin on my mother’s side who have had melanomas removed (not sure if this qualifies me for FAMMM)…

      My derm put a “rush” on my latest two biopsies. I’ve been calling each day for results as it has been nearly two weeks. Today, finally, my derm got on the phone with me and told me they only have a preliminary report. The slides from one of my biopsies has been sent to Boston for a second opinion as they cannot rule out invasive melanoma. He said the 1st dermapathologist (sp?) believes it is a severely abnormal nevus but they want another opinion.

      My question is this…how could a severely atypical mole actually be invasive melanoma. Wouldn’t it be an insitu? I thought insitu was the next “step” after severely atypical. I’m trying not to be anxious but I’m definitely concerned. Any explanation would be appreciated.

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    • Replies
        • December 11, 2015 at 2:45 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          Some moles have a dermal component and aren't confined to the epidermis.   In general, you are right.  In situ is the next step.  But if the cells look abnormal enough and are found in the dermis, it's invasive.

          • December 11, 2015 at 2:45 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            Some moles have a dermal component and aren't confined to the epidermis.   In general, you are right.  In situ is the next step.  But if the cells look abnormal enough and are found in the dermis, it's invasive.

            • December 11, 2015 at 2:45 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              Some moles have a dermal component and aren't confined to the epidermis.   In general, you are right.  In situ is the next step.  But if the cells look abnormal enough and are found in the dermis, it's invasive.

                • December 12, 2015 at 12:41 am
                Lindsayblueyes
                Participant
                  Thanks, Janner. I appreciate the response. It truly had me stumped. I’ve researched in situ and early invasive melanomas for months…Perhaps obsessively-which doesn’t help my mental health. You seem to be a voice of reason, logic and calm on this site. I appreciate it.
                  • December 12, 2015 at 12:41 am
                  Lindsayblueyes
                  Participant
                    Thanks, Janner. I appreciate the response. It truly had me stumped. I’ve researched in situ and early invasive melanomas for months…Perhaps obsessively-which doesn’t help my mental health. You seem to be a voice of reason, logic and calm on this site. I appreciate it.
                    • December 12, 2015 at 12:41 am
                    Lindsayblueyes
                    Participant
                      Thanks, Janner. I appreciate the response. It truly had me stumped. I’ve researched in situ and early invasive melanomas for months…Perhaps obsessively-which doesn’t help my mental health. You seem to be a voice of reason, logic and calm on this site. I appreciate it.
                      • December 14, 2015 at 12:37 pm
                      EdwardKatz
                      Participant

                        Well though atypical moles are considered as pre-cancerous, but every atypical moles doesn’t get melanoma.  Even they never become cancerous; however, they can be a warning of developing melanoma. The initial diagnosis of atypical moles is a physical examination, however, sometimes a procedure, called biopsy, performed in pathology where the tissues are examined under a microscope. It will help in getting substantial cure for the risk of developing melanomas.

                        • December 14, 2015 at 12:37 pm
                        EdwardKatz
                        Participant

                          Well though atypical moles are considered as pre-cancerous, but every atypical moles doesn’t get melanoma.  Even they never become cancerous; however, they can be a warning of developing melanoma. The initial diagnosis of atypical moles is a physical examination, however, sometimes a procedure, called biopsy, performed in pathology where the tissues are examined under a microscope. It will help in getting substantial cure for the risk of developing melanomas.

                          • December 14, 2015 at 12:37 pm
                          EdwardKatz
                          Participant

                            Well though atypical moles are considered as pre-cancerous, but every atypical moles doesn’t get melanoma.  Even they never become cancerous; however, they can be a warning of developing melanoma. The initial diagnosis of atypical moles is a physical examination, however, sometimes a procedure, called biopsy, performed in pathology where the tissues are examined under a microscope. It will help in getting substantial cure for the risk of developing melanomas.

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