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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Biopsy and spread?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Biopsy and spread?
by taraa, Jun 13, 2007 12:00AM
Could you please help ease my fears?
Recently, of many moles removed, one was moderately atypical and reexcised. The others have been ok. Recently my Dr. removed 2 more moles (upon my request)and I couldn't help but wonder if:
1. Sticking the needle into the mole could cause cancer cells to spread into my bloodstream or
2. If by shaving it, cells (if melanoma) could have been dislodged into my bloodstream.
There is much contradicting evidence online regarding biopsys being the cause of metastasized cancer in some situations.
The moles small 2mm or less and at most he said he doubted but would be melanoma in situ. He also said (a dermatopathologist who looks at the biopsies in the group) that it is often hard to determine what exactly something this small >2mm "is" or would've become because of it's size. I know shaving is frowned upon so I'm not sure why he did it other than he really didn't think it was a melanoma but I am more concerned that if it was cells could spread.
Is there some reason why cells do not or would not spread into blood through these methods?
Very worried here in CT......
Recently, of many moles removed, one was moderately atypical and reexcised. The others have been ok. Recently my Dr. removed 2 more moles (upon my request)and I couldn't help but wonder if:
1. Sticking the needle into the mole could cause cancer cells to spread into my bloodstream or
2. If by shaving it, cells (if melanoma) could have been dislodged into my bloodstream.
There is much contradicting evidence online regarding biopsys being the cause of metastasized cancer in some situations.
The moles small 2mm or less and at most he said he doubted but would be melanoma in situ. He also said (a dermatopathologist who looks at the biopsies in the group) that it is often hard to determine what exactly something this small >2mm "is" or would've become because of it's size. I know shaving is frowned upon so I'm not sure why he did it other than he really didn't think it was a melanoma but I am more concerned that if it was cells could spread.
Is there some reason why cells do not or would not spread into blood through these methods?
Very worried here in CT......
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 13, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 13, 2007 12:00AM
I see no reason for you to worry. The issue of incisional biopsies causing metastases has long ago been laid to rest, at least in the minds of most dermatologists, including this one. Taking everything off my excisional biopsy (complete removal) would be a drastic and unwarranted undertaking.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by luvsunny, Jun 16, 2007 12:00AM
My sister had melanoma. she got a biopsy and 6 months later she got another one. Was it related to the biopsy. we'll never know, but it scared the heck out of me.
