Pregnant Wife

[IronCatfish72]

Good afternoon, my wife had in situ (sp.?) skin cancer two years ago.  It was removed, and she's been back five times since.  She is now 5 months pregnant, and just went back for the first time in a year, and they found something they want to biopsy.  Does this endanger the child at all? Could this type of cancer metastasize to the child? Also, they aren't scheduling her to have it removed/biopsied until next month ... they wouldn't put it off that long if it was dangerous to wait, would they?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You're right, they wouldn't.  I don't know what kind of cancer they are suspecting, though.  The term "in situ" means that the cancer is still localized to the upper skin layers.  A squamous cell carcinoma in situ is much less serious than a melanoma in situ.  The chances of the current spot endangering the child are remote in the extreme.  If I were you, I would call the doctor and put this question to him or her directly.  I would also ask that the procedure be advanced, for your wife's peace of mind and yours.  (Of course, "next month" is tomorrow....)

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[IronCatfish72]

sorry to repost, but I forgot one quetion: Is there any way to research what percentage of people who have a mole biopsied end up being diagnosed with cancer (e.g.: 50% have no cancer, 45% have basil or squamous, 5% have melinoma, etc.)?

Thanks again!