Severly atypical mole

Hi!  I recently had a punch biopsy of a mole on my chest near/on my left breast(completed by my dermatologist.)  The mole had changed somewhat, which is what prompted the punch biopsy.  The biopsy showed it was severely atypical.  

I am scheduled for an excision next week.  I am a 39 year old, Caucasian female with brown hair, blue eyes, and a light to medium complexion.  I have had several atypical moles excised over the last several years (I do not know,however, what degree of atypia they were.....i.e. mild, moderate, or severe.)  I have no melanoma in my family, and no personal experience with melamona.  I had a small basal cell removed via Moh's approximately four years ago.  

The deramtologist/cosmetic surgeon that will be doing the excision was re-assuring, yet, I still worry about melanoma (in light of the severe atypia that was reported on the pathology report.) I do see my dermatologist for full skin checks every 3 months, wear SPF 30 daily, and use common sense practices when in the sun.

Any feedback?  Thank you so much.  I appreciate this service.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

When the doctor takes off the mole, the whole specimen will be examined, to see whether some parts of it not biopsied show anything worse than a severely dysplastic nevus (which is not a melanoma.)  If your dermatologist is comfortable with the opinion of the pathologist, who hopefully and presumably is a dermatopathologist, then I don't think you need to worry about sending the slides for other opinions.  But that can be done, and you have the right to request another opinion if you want.  I usually don't solicit other opinions when my pathologist reads a mole as severely dysplastic, though.

Your precautions and follow-up sound like exactly what you ought to be doing.  Your lack of family history of melanoma lowers your overall risk.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[momi-twice]

Thanks Dr. Rockoff

[allentown]

A related discussion, severely dysplastic mole was started.