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Recent Biopsy results, not sure what they mean?
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Recent Biopsy results, not sure what they mean?

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Recent Biopsy results, not sure what they mean?

  • Post
    • October 30, 2019 at 5:23 pm
    NervousDude
    Participant
      A while back my Wife noticed an odd little mole on my neck, we weren’t sure what it was because I am prone to skin tags in that area and ever so often I mutilate one on accident while shaving. I had my PCP do a biopsy of it, then I just never head back from his office so I assumed it was nothing. While in for a routine appointment today I asked for the results out of curiosity. I was told that it was a Compoun Melanocytic Nevus with mild architectural atypia. My physician didn’t seem worried and said just make sure it doesn’t come back, but I didn’t get much more information and am still a bit confused.

      The full report says;

      Gross description
      Specimen is received in formalin, labeled with multiple patient identifiers and consists of one piece of tissue measuring 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1 cm, irregular in shape and tan brown in color. The margins are inked green. The specimen is submitted in one cassette.

      Diagnosis
      Compound Melanocytic Nevus with mild architectural atypia, extending to the biopsy margin.

      Comment
      Clinical correlation/follow up is recommended.

      ———–

      I’m not sure what to make of all this? Is it a skin cancer of some sort? Just a slightly weird mole? I also remember the thing being a bit different in color than what the report says, I recall it being darker.
      I may not even be in the right place to be asking this question, and if I’m not I sincerely apologize. I simply saw melanocytic in the diagnosis and thought perhaps someone here might could explain better what I’m looking at.

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    • Replies
        • October 30, 2019 at 5:52 pm
        tedtell1
        Participant
          Yep, it is a “weird mole”. A compound nevus is the step between melanoma and an ordinary mole. The fact that it is “moderate” drives the decision to take no further action. Just keep paying attention to your moles and let your Derm know if one looks weird, grows rapidly or acts strangely.
          Ted
            • October 30, 2019 at 7:04 pm
            NervousDude
            Participant
              Seems like many online get referred to a Derm for periodic checks after finding one of these, however I did not and don’t even have a Derm. Is this unusual? Perhaps something I should pursue with my GP?
            • October 31, 2019 at 10:12 am
            AnxiousDad
            Participant
              From my understanding…there are mild, moderate , and severe Atypical moles…. yours being only a mild one. That’s really great news. Just keep being vigilant…you hopefully will never have to worry about this again. I think with a ‘mild’ case, it’s pretty normal to not make a special derm appointment…just an annual skin check….and to be blunt…your best skin checker is your wife most likely. You guys caught that one…so keep checking and put your worry behind you. Dont over think this.
                • October 31, 2019 at 9:33 pm
                NervousDude
                Participant
                  Thanks for the reply. I was starting to feel better but then I found out my granddad has had multiple skin cancers removed, melanomas I believe. However I he is naturally fair complected and stayed out in the sun constantly all the way until his 50’s often being so tan people thought he Mediterranean or Hispanic and my uncle on the same side has had several atypical moles removed over the years.
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