A related discussion,
dark freckle could it be malanoma was started.
What ever happened when they took more out? I went in Thursday for 2 small moles to be scraped (about the size of a sesame seed) but they were very dark but round for the most part. He said they were atypical. I will hear next week and like you were - I am FREAKED OUT. I have dark hair and eyes but skin like casper. I stay out of the sun but got some burns as a child. Since they were both on my leg area that scares me too since that is where melanoma is on women. I think the one on my toe was there for about 5 years or more and never grown at all. The one on my shin seems relatively new (a year or so) and that scares me too. Any comments?
Today the doctor did a wider excision of the area, and is going to send the tissue for yet another biopsy. He called it an atypical mole, but not cancer. Is this any reason to be concerned due to the fact that another biopsy is being done?
Hello doc, it's me again... I know you must be quite busy, but I noticed in the past you've been so kind to answer follow up questions for people and I don't have $ to pay another question. I was wondering if you could please just take a minute to respond... I did get my biopsy results back and they said it was NOT cancer, BUT there are some "unusual cells" and that I must now have a wider excision. Could you please tell me what this could mean. Early melanoma? Pre-cancer? Please advise me
http://matrix.ucdavis.edu/tumors/tradition/gallery-acrolentiginous-mm.html
Doctor, If you go to this like, and scroll to the very bottom, that lesion reminds me of mine...its dark brown throughout and the caption says that 'they were surprised to find early melanoma'.
Do you still think I just have a mole? Should I insist on a biopsy?
I'm rather worried after seeing this.
thanks again.
Doc,
I think the spot is a little more jagged than is seen in the pictures. For example, on one end there seems to be a jagged edge, almost as if there are "streamers" or knife-edge dark brown lines trailing out the end of the spot. Almost as if a sharp knife cut it up. Do you think this is relavent at all, or do you still think it's 95% likely a benign mole?
Hey Doctor, I was hoping you could PLEASE just answer this one follow up question, and then I'll leave you alone,
Today I had a shaved biopsy taken. Results will take a week. The whole spot is now gone. However, when I look closely at the red flesh, there does appear to be a patch of very dark red, or almost black spot of flesh, versus the more "normal" looking pink area of the hole. Do you suppose this this could theoretically be the vertical penetration of a melanoma, and even if it's a benign mole could the lead to future melanoma undetected since healthy skin will heal over this black area left? The pit in my toe is probably 2 millimeters or so deep, and I though that maybe I am seeing some of the deeper tumor from a melanoma inside there.
Here is a picture after biopsy today:
http://img238.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mvc074f0xs.jpg
Here is the area of concern highlighted:
http://img102.imageshack.us/my.php?image=74745go.jpg
Thanks again in advance for your help, as I am quite nervous.
Sorry, I meant to say 'go to this site', and scroll to the bottom where it describes Acrolentiginous Melanoma of the Toe.
Awe you poor thing. I hate worrying about things im sorry you have this. Sounds like the wonderful Doc thinks its not a worry and he seems like an excellent physician. Try not to worry and just make a derm appointment. Yea easy to say I just posted a question and am a mess - but if he said it looks pretty normal I bet it is!!! Keep your chin up you'll be fine
I think this site might help you some. It is for the Skin Cancer Foundation, it gives some very good information about melanoma.
http://www.skincancer.org/melanoma/index.php
I hope this will help you.
I think it's an ordinary mole. The dermatologist might want to do a biopsy, but may well decide it isn't necessary. The minor irregularity is common in moles in general, especially on the feet. No worries are needed, and no need to start speculating on what happens if, etc., because it won't. You've probably had it a long time and just never noticed it before. See the doctor. You'll be fine.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff