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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Meaning of medical terms
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Meaning of medical terms
by Wanda Pfeiffer`, Aug 02, 2000 12:00AM
I have a wonderful dermatologist, who has answered many questions
for me regarding my skin conditions. But I have a question which
I have not asked him. I have had numerous skin lesions excised, and I have a family history of melanoma. Following biopsy, my lab reports always state that the sample is "DN (dysplastic nevus) OR MM". What exactly does this mean (MM), and what stage or level of skin is affected? My phsician always excises an ample amount of surrounding tissue, and the margins are always clear. I'm sure I don't have anything to worry about, but I would like a medical explanation of this lab terminology. Thank you.
for me regarding my skin conditions. But I have a question which
I have not asked him. I have had numerous skin lesions excised, and I have a family history of melanoma. Following biopsy, my lab reports always state that the sample is "DN (dysplastic nevus) OR MM". What exactly does this mean (MM), and what stage or level of skin is affected? My phsician always excises an ample amount of surrounding tissue, and the margins are always clear. I'm sure I don't have anything to worry about, but I would like a medical explanation of this lab terminology. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 03, 2000 12:00AM
, Aug 03, 2000 12:00AM
Wanda:
This is a guess you'll need to confirm with your dermatologist, but you're probably reading the diagnostic impression the dermatologist puts down as his or her clinical suspicion: "DN"-dypslastic nevus" of "MM"-malignant melanoma. In other words, your doctor is asking, "Is this just a dysplastic nevus, or is it a melanoma?" Presumably, the answer has always been, No, it's not!"
Incidentally, this shows that having patients see their lab reports, sometimes framed as a "consumer empowerment" issue, is a lot mor ambiguous and complex than it looks.
Hope this helps.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
This is a guess you'll need to confirm with your dermatologist, but you're probably reading the diagnostic impression the dermatologist puts down as his or her clinical suspicion: "DN"-dypslastic nevus" of "MM"-malignant melanoma. In other words, your doctor is asking, "Is this just a dysplastic nevus, or is it a melanoma?" Presumably, the answer has always been, No, it's not!"
Incidentally, this shows that having patients see their lab reports, sometimes framed as a "consumer empowerment" issue, is a lot mor ambiguous and complex than it looks.
Hope this helps.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
not sure what that means. Other than I was told it was pre-
cancer. I think the word cancer is such a scary word that it
had me pretty upset. I have to have more tissue taken from
one of the moles. An answer to what dysplastic nevus or pre-
cancer means would be a great help to me.