Help understanding pathology report. Severe Cytologic Atypia.
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Help understanding pathology report. Severe Cytologic Atypia.

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Help understanding pathology report. Severe Cytologic Atypia.

  • Post
    • June 22, 2017 at 3:26 pm
    Campfirefly
    Participant

      Hello, I am hoping someone can help me understand this pathology report a bit more. I have not yet been able to see a doctor to have them explain it to me. I understand the gist of it but the dermis portion in the microscopic description I'm thrown off by. I had a small mole that I cannot see change recently. Its approximately 8mm wide and in the crack of my buttock so its very hard to see. My family doesn't want me to see a general surgeon for this and would rather me go to a Melanoma Center to have it properly handled. We live in small area with limited services. Any help interpreting this report would be very appreciated. Thank you so much.

      It says-

      Final Diagnosis

      SKIN, RIGHT BUTTOCK, PUNCH BIOPSY:

      COMPOUND MELANOCYTIC NEVUS WITH ARCHITECTURAL DISORDER AND SEVERE CYTOLOGIC ATYPIA OF MELANOCYTES

      MARGINS POSITIVE.

      Comment: based on the amount of cytologic atypia and partial sampling, a re-excision of the remaining pigmented lesion is recommended for further diagnostic consideration.

      Gross Description

      Received in 10% neutral buffered formlin labeled Right Buttocks Mole, is a grey tan skin punch biopsy specimen measuring 0.3cm in diameter and exised to a depth of 0.5cm. Tissue is inked and submitted whole in cassette 175k-4257 dh/STH:lw

      Microscopic Description

      Sections show skin with a melanocytic lesion having extensions of the junctional component beyond the dermal portion. In the epidermis, melanocytes are disposed as single cells and as nests on elongated and distorted rete ridges. Cytologic atypia ormelanocytes issever. The papillary dermis is fibrotic. 

      Clinical History

      37/F with disorder of skin and subcutaneous tissue.

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        • June 22, 2017 at 7:46 pm
        Jamie1960
        Participant

          If the multicoloration was present prior to the biopsy, it is generally something to take seriously, as is the "architectural" description of nesting and distortion of rete ridges. The statement that "cytologic atypia of melanocytes is severe" means that you may be disposed toward the development of melanoma in this area and need to pursue the option of surgical excision to clean margins by a qualified melanoma specialist. I personally would not waste time with further lab work in a location which is not visible to you or others- get rid of it. Do not be afraid, but do be aggressive; I agree with your family's guidance and hope this is helpful.

            • June 23, 2017 at 4:34 am
            Campfirefly
            Participant

              Thank you so very much. I really appreciate your reply. 

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