MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Confused!
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.

Confused!

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Confused!

  • Post
    • January 22, 2017 at 10:55 pm
    dutchygirl
    Participant
      Hello

      I am a little bit confused so I hope someone can answer my question.

      Does melanoma always starts in the epedermis?

      I know that some moles are also in the dermis. When they change in melanoma is it than immediately an invasive one? So it skips the in situ part?

      I hope this makes sense (I am not a native speaker)

      Wish you al the best

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • January 23, 2017 at 2:01 am
        Janner
        Participant

          Most moles exist in the epidermis only.  However some moles do indeed live in the dermis too.  There is another characteristic that is often described in pathology reports:  growth phase.  Radial growth phase is considered essentially the equivalent of in situ even though the mole exists in the dermis.  The melanoma has growth patterns that are not invasive but spreading horizontally in the skin.  If the mole enters vertical growth phase, then that is really considered "invasive". 

            • January 23, 2017 at 8:29 am
            dutchygirl
            Participant
              Thank you! I think I understand it a little more.

              But when a mole is atypical and lives in the dermis and starts to change into melanoma, it first starts to change in the “top” of the mole?

              I can’t imagine that when you have an atypical mole that lives in the dermis and is for example .51 deep, and starts to turn into melanoma, it is immediatley a melanoma with a depth of .51.

              • January 23, 2017 at 8:29 am
              dutchygirl
              Participant
                Thank you! I think I understand it a little more.

                But when a mole is atypical and lives in the dermis and starts to change into melanoma, it first starts to change in the “top” of the mole?

                I can’t imagine that when you have an atypical mole that lives in the dermis and is for example .51 deep, and starts to turn into melanoma, it is immediatley a melanoma with a depth of .51.

                • January 23, 2017 at 8:29 am
                dutchygirl
                Participant
                  Thank you! I think I understand it a little more.

                  But when a mole is atypical and lives in the dermis and starts to change into melanoma, it first starts to change in the “top” of the mole?

                  I can’t imagine that when you have an atypical mole that lives in the dermis and is for example .51 deep, and starts to turn into melanoma, it is immediatley a melanoma with a depth of .51.

                • January 23, 2017 at 2:01 am
                Janner
                Participant

                  Most moles exist in the epidermis only.  However some moles do indeed live in the dermis too.  There is another characteristic that is often described in pathology reports:  growth phase.  Radial growth phase is considered essentially the equivalent of in situ even though the mole exists in the dermis.  The melanoma has growth patterns that are not invasive but spreading horizontally in the skin.  If the mole enters vertical growth phase, then that is really considered "invasive". 

                  • January 23, 2017 at 2:01 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Most moles exist in the epidermis only.  However some moles do indeed live in the dermis too.  There is another characteristic that is often described in pathology reports:  growth phase.  Radial growth phase is considered essentially the equivalent of in situ even though the mole exists in the dermis.  The melanoma has growth patterns that are not invasive but spreading horizontally in the skin.  If the mole enters vertical growth phase, then that is really considered "invasive". 

                    • January 23, 2017 at 12:46 pm
                    ed williams
                    Participant

                      The depth is based on a measurement from the bottom of where tumor cells are found on a tumor up to the stratum granulosum(outer dead skin layer). The pathologist measures the distance, that is why the type of biopsy matters so much so that they can be accurate. Best Wishes!!!Ed

                      • January 23, 2017 at 12:46 pm
                      ed williams
                      Participant

                        The depth is based on a measurement from the bottom of where tumor cells are found on a tumor up to the stratum granulosum(outer dead skin layer). The pathologist measures the distance, that is why the type of biopsy matters so much so that they can be accurate. Best Wishes!!!Ed

                        • January 23, 2017 at 12:46 pm
                        ed williams
                        Participant

                          The depth is based on a measurement from the bottom of where tumor cells are found on a tumor up to the stratum granulosum(outer dead skin layer). The pathologist measures the distance, that is why the type of biopsy matters so much so that they can be accurate. Best Wishes!!!Ed

                      Viewing 5 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.

                      Popular Topics