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Dysplastic nevus, margins not clear

Forums General Melanoma Community Dysplastic nevus, margins not clear

  • Post
    pianogurl85
    Participant

      Hello,

      I recently had a spot removed off of my back that was mildly dysplastic.  The plastic surgeon that removed the lesion didn't have clear margins and wants to remove more.  When I called my dermatologist's office, they told me that they typically don't need clear margins if the mole is not malignant.  This is the first time I have ever had a biopsy come back that wasn't clear and I wanted to see if the information I was given by derm is correct.  I certainly don't want to leave anything on that could end up turning into melanoma at some point. 

      Thank you in advance for your time!

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    • Replies
        Janner
        Participant

          There is no standard of care. Some docs say at least clean margins on any dysplastic nevi, other derm's are fine leaving it. With a mildly atypical lesion, I think you could go either way.  Severely atypical should have 5mm margins but mild and moderate are less clear.  My own derm Inc wants at least clear margins on mildly atypical.  Either way, watch the area for any pigment regrowth and have it rechecked if that happens.

          Janner
          Participant

            There is no standard of care. Some docs say at least clean margins on any dysplastic nevi, other derm's are fine leaving it. With a mildly atypical lesion, I think you could go either way.  Severely atypical should have 5mm margins but mild and moderate are less clear.  My own derm Inc wants at least clear margins on mildly atypical.  Either way, watch the area for any pigment regrowth and have it rechecked if that happens.

            Janner
            Participant

              There is no standard of care. Some docs say at least clean margins on any dysplastic nevi, other derm's are fine leaving it. With a mildly atypical lesion, I think you could go either way.  Severely atypical should have 5mm margins but mild and moderate are less clear.  My own derm Inc wants at least clear margins on mildly atypical.  Either way, watch the area for any pigment regrowth and have it rechecked if that happens.

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