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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Moderately atypical mole waiting results of likely a second atypical mole cont..
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Moderately atypical mole waiting results of likely a second atypical mole cont..
by taraa, Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
I am embarrassed to write again - I wrote about having a moderately atypical mole but have a few other questions/wanted a second opinion before seeing a dermatologist/dermapath tomorrow.
1. My 2mm atypical mole (small, symmetrical, just a little dark) was re-excised by using a 5mm punch biopsy. Was this removal method appropriate for such a mole? I've read otherwise.
2. Doctor removed a few others all normal but one of them, the (derm/path/dermapath) said was a melanocytic compound nevus with some irregularities. He was not worried and said to follow up in 6 months but I am going to have the rest removed. Do you know if some irregularites means atypical? The mole was there forever and looked smudged a little darker in one half but always looked that way as long as I can remember.
3. Some moles were tested with a shave biopsy and were fine but I am worried about the fact that I could still see some brown/mole left in the wound. Could these left over "mole cells" become cancerous under the scar and cause a problem that I would not see? Is it crazy to ask that they get all of "it" out so I don't have to worry about it growing back and looking funnier?
4. Last, I have a few dark brown, round, flat, 2mm or less moles that look like they have a tiny light brown rim around them, I guess the dark fades around the border. I know it's hard to say without seeing but does this sound normal?
I'll will stop writing- tomorrow is my last day to worry about this stuff - I lost a family member not long ago and since the idea of sickness/death terrifies me. :( Thanks for your time!
1. My 2mm atypical mole (small, symmetrical, just a little dark) was re-excised by using a 5mm punch biopsy. Was this removal method appropriate for such a mole? I've read otherwise.
2. Doctor removed a few others all normal but one of them, the (derm/path/dermapath) said was a melanocytic compound nevus with some irregularities. He was not worried and said to follow up in 6 months but I am going to have the rest removed. Do you know if some irregularites means atypical? The mole was there forever and looked smudged a little darker in one half but always looked that way as long as I can remember.
3. Some moles were tested with a shave biopsy and were fine but I am worried about the fact that I could still see some brown/mole left in the wound. Could these left over "mole cells" become cancerous under the scar and cause a problem that I would not see? Is it crazy to ask that they get all of "it" out so I don't have to worry about it growing back and looking funnier?
4. Last, I have a few dark brown, round, flat, 2mm or less moles that look like they have a tiny light brown rim around them, I guess the dark fades around the border. I know it's hard to say without seeing but does this sound normal?
I'll will stop writing- tomorrow is my last day to worry about this stuff - I lost a family member not long ago and since the idea of sickness/death terrifies me. :( Thanks for your time!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
1. Yes, it's appropriate. Once it's all out, the pathologist can determine whether still more needs to be removed.
2. I do not recommend that you have the rest removed. This is not medeically necessary, and there is a limit to what your, in my view, excessive, anxiety should be allowed to dictate. No, all irregularity doesn't mean atypicality under the microscope.
3. No.
4. Yes, it does sound normal.
I suggest you talk at greater length with your dermatologist. It's important that you have a level of trust with whoever takes care of you, so that what's done is based on medical judgment and not fear.
Dr. Rockoff
2. I do not recommend that you have the rest removed. This is not medeically necessary, and there is a limit to what your, in my view, excessive, anxiety should be allowed to dictate. No, all irregularity doesn't mean atypicality under the microscope.
3. No.
4. Yes, it does sound normal.
I suggest you talk at greater length with your dermatologist. It's important that you have a level of trust with whoever takes care of you, so that what's done is based on medical judgment and not fear.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by happy hippy, Apr 17, 2007 12:00AM
had results for two very small moles.results were moles ok but had mildly atipical cells found.What does this mean .The Dr said they were not malignant
