I’m trying so hard not to get myself all worked up but I’m barely functioning at this point.
A few months ago I noticed a very small perfectly round but very dark black flat spot on my shoulder. I didn’t think much of it at the time but figured I’d get it checked out just in case. My appointment was last Friday but feels like it was 2 years ago. I am able to log onto the dermatologist’s site to see my records and it has become somewhat of an obsession. I’d say I refresh the “Test Results” page no less than 5 times an hour. UGH.
At the appointment the doc said “I don’t LOVE the look of that mole” and did a shave biopsy. When I asked what next steps would be he explained the different outcomes but said I shouldn’t lose sleep over it. If only…
I’ve spent entirely too much time on Google looking up every possibility and each day that passes has me more and more convinced that it’s melanoma. I pasted part of the visit notes below. Where he wrote: “Ddx includes: Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior vs. Dysplastic Nevus vs. vs less likely MM” does this mean he does NOT think it’s melanoma?
Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior
(D48.5)
Macule
located on the right posterior shoulder.
Ddx includes: Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior vs. Dysplastic Nevus vs. vs less likely MM
Plan: Biopsy by Shave Method.
Location (A): right posterior shoulder. Pre-op Size: 0.5 cm. Written consent was obtained and risks were reviewed including but not limited to
scarring, infection, bleeding, scabbing, incomplete removal, nerve damage and allergy to anesthesia. The area was prepped with Alcohol. Local
anesthesia was obtained with approximately 1cc of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine. A biopsy by shave method to the level of the dermis (sent for H
and E) was performed using a Personna blade on the right posterior shoulder.
.
