Biopsy jitters

[kerriw]

I am a 40 year old female who just found (and had removed) a 4 mm basal cell carcinoma (on my shoulder).  The dermatologist wanted to check the rest of me and saw an irregular mole on my breast, close to the nipple.  This mole has been there for as long as I can remember (at least 25 years??) and it has always looked the same to me.  It is asymmetrical, about 6-7 mm on the long side, perhaps 4-5 mm wide, funny shape, rough texture, mix of brown and tan.  The doctor said I should have it removed, which I did, and am now nervously awaiting biopsy results.  He pointed out some features that I hadn't noticed, and so I don't know if it was always like that or not.  Specifically, it had one sort of tannish pink area, and was slightly flaky, and had one area where a light tan border kind of bled into the nearby skin (probably 1mm or less into the skin, along one edge), and it had a pale halo.  The halo was hard to see because the skin around was so pale anyway, but I guess it was slightly lighter than the other skin.  This area has probably never been exposed to the sun, based on its location.  Do you think it could be malignant, given the description?  The doctor did point out that there wasn't any black color anywhere, which I guess is good.  It sure is hard to wait for results, and he seemed fairly insistent that it be removed, 'based on my history' with the basal cell, in part.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I very much doubt that the biopsy will show anything problematic.  Your doctor--quite properly--was being cautious, which is the right approach to pigmented lesions.  The history of a basal cell carcinoma makes you worry more, of course, but doesn't change the likelihood that the report will be fine.

My pathology lab turns reports out in 24-48 hours.  You shouldn't have to wait and worry very long.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[kerriw]

Thanks, Dr. Rockoff, the results came in benign after 6 long days of waiting (guess our lab is not as speedy as yours).  The mole was not even classified as dysplastic, even though, old as it was, it displayed every ABCDE characteristic.  Anyway, I wanted to thank you because every time I got anxious while waiting (it seemed like forever), I went back and read your post 'I very much doubt' it will be malignant, and it did help that a dermatologist had that opinion after he was given all the facts of the case.  You are providing a helpful service.  Thanks!--Kerri W.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You're welcome, Kerri.  Moles that look funny in person often turn out to be completely uninteresting under the microscope.  Glad yours was one of those.

Dr. Rockoff