Mole Biopsies

[WorriedSick1981]

I had a biopsy of two moles taken 1 month ago and have still not received the results.  I have been getting information from the doctors pathology office and I must admit I am a little disappointed in how this is being handled and how long this has taken.  I had 2 moles removed from my abdomen which the doctor said looked a little fuzzy and did not think they were anything.  I called after two weeks for the results and were told that the Pathologist could not read the slides of the two moles and they had to resend the biopsies to have special staining done and results would not be back for another 3 weeks.  This sounds absolutely crazy.  Previously I had 2 other moles removed 4 years ago and there were no issues other than one came back dysplastic.  How can there be issues with staining a mole unless there is something wrong with them?  I tried googling what types of special staining for moles and could not find anything.  I am worried that they found something serious and are just giving me the run around now while they do their second and third opinions.  Waiting over a month for results that probably won't but can include cancer is not fun.  Does this happen often?  Could both of my moles actually be melanoma?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, this is not common at all.  In fact, I have no idea what it means, and I don't understand why it will take so long to do the special stains and interpret them.  I suggest you call your dermatologist and strongly request clarification.  As for your moles being melanoma, I doubt it, since melanoma can be diagnosed right away without special stains.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff