atypical mole -second biopsy

Dr. Doctor,

About 1 month ago I had a mole removed because of its atypical appearance.

About two weeks later I was called into the office for a second incisional biopsy.

The only info my derm offered was that it was a dyplastic mole, it was not a regular mole and it was not a melanoma....it was "in between".

What does in between even mean?  I thought either it was cancer or it wasn't.  

When I asked if it was a melanoma - he replied no.

So what would be the need for a second biopsy?  The first one was done by completely shaving the mole from the surface of my arm.

I don't understand and I am extremely worried.

Thanks

[viktoriag]

Hi

My husband has these moles.  Atypical means just that - atypical. I believe it just means they have abnormal characteristics and this could cause them to pose a risk in the future. The reason you would have been called back in would be to make sure it was all removed. This once happened to my husband as well. Now his doctor just goes right in and cuts them out from the start. He has several of them. The shaving leaves a smaller scar, but if there's ever a question, they usually dig right down into it.

Hope that helps, sorry I am not a doctor, though :-)

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Atypical naevi are benign and do not need to be removed. It is not always easy to tell whether a lesion is an atypical naevus or a melanoma, so these are removed by excision biopsy. Through the biopsy, a pathologist will usually make the correct diagnosis. It is good that your biopsy showed that there is no melanoma as mentioned by your doctor.

It is also important that you know how to self-examine your skin for new moles or for changes in existing moles. If you have numerous moles, it is recommendedt that you visit your family doctor or dermatologist regularly for a thorough skin check.  Taking pictures of the existing moles may also be of help. Sun protection is highly recommended.

Take care and keep us posted.