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Biopsy Question
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Biopsy Question

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Biopsy Question

  • Post
    • October 24, 2019 at 10:26 pm
    Mom1021
    Participant
      I have a pathology question. I’m hoping someone on this forum can help me.
      I’m very confused about my diagnosis that I was given in August. I have a shave biopsy done that came back AIMP, with being consistent with Melanoma In Situ. I then had it surgically excised and path came back clear margins and residual
      atypical cells. I was told by surgical oncologist the he “feels I had an atypical mole but “they” are calling it a melanoma so I’m going to treat it like a melanoma.” He has me coming every 4 months for re checks along with my dermatologist who wants to see me every 3 months for full body exams. I just feel very unclear. Was this a melanoma in situ or AIMP? When I addressed my concerns to my dermatologist he said well we would have treated this no matter what we would never have left it. I’m not questioning that, because I’ve learned that sometimes an Invasive melanoma can be found. And on my original path from shave it said that it could not be ruled out. So, my question is was it or not? This has me going nutty. Should I have my slides sent and retested just to be clear? I would pay for this from an lab that specializes in this. I just feel really being on my own with it and being my own advocate.
      And information would be greatly appreciated.

      Thank you, Christina Hafner

      I have screen shots of my path but I don’t see where I can upload them to. I do feel seeing the correct terminology would be helpful.

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        • October 25, 2019 at 12:54 am
        Julie in SoCal
        Participant
          Hi Christina,

          All of this stuff is very confusing! And you’ve been thrown in a situation where there’s a lot to learn.

          Yes, you can get a second opinion and if this is what you need to do go for it. Reading slides is as much art as science and there is a bit of judgment in it. However, know that what the doc is recommending– complete excision with clear margins and follow up– is the recommendation for either atypical or melanoma in situ. The treatment is exactly the same. So being absolutely clear if it’s atypical or MIS doesn’t change what should come next.

          I know getting a diagnosis with the word melanoma in it can be scary, but it sounds like you caught this very early! I hope this is a relief.

          If you have more questions, don’t hessitate to ask. There’s a lot of good, knowledgable folk on this site.

          Shalom,
          Julie

            • October 25, 2019 at 3:33 pm
            Mom1021
            Participant
              Hi Julie,
              Thank you so much for your reply. It most definitely is an art! This was a dermopathologist so I do feel it was reviewed thoroughly, but for my own piece of mind I think knowing whether it was definitively melanoma may help ease my anxiety. I’m in a rut of constantly worrying about every mole and mark I find. For example my derm looked at a red spot on my nose and said it was fine at my check up earlier this month. Now I’m like it looks redder, should I go back!! It’s just a constant worry. My mom passed away a few years ago from a rare cancer and this dx has me on a tail spin. Thank you for listening
              • October 25, 2019 at 5:43 pm
              Julie in SoCal
              Participant
                Hi Christina,

                I think most of us here understand the rut of worry when things aren’t certain. And adding the passing of your mom only makes things harder. I’m so sorry.

                Get another opinion if you think this will be helpful (menatl health is important, too!). If you can, try to find a dermopathologist that reads a lot of melanoma slides — you want someone who is good at both the art and the science. If you want help finding one, write another post on this board saying where you live and what you’re looking for. Odds are there’s someone here who knows someone where you live.

                As for moles changing and being diligent in watching for change: take pictures of your moles. This will help you objectively (ish) watch for change. It will also help you communicate with your derm as you can show him or her the pictures. If you have a ton of moles, some places offer “mole mapping”. I’ve got a bunch of moles and I haven’t done this — mostly because I can monitor them myself (I have found and identified all of my external mel and other funk). But do what makes you comfortable.

                Above all, I wish you peace! Shalom!
                Julie

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