Changing moles - evolving or melanoma?...

[mrcjschu]

Hi.  I am a 34 year old female with a history of melanoma in-situ.  I am very fair and very moley (probably 200+ in number), but none that are particularly large.  Some are indeed weird yes, but no larger than about 5mm.  That said, I noticed a mole on my back had grown larger over the past 6 or so months.  I have total body photographs for comparison purposes.  It went from about 1mm to about 5mm in diameter.  It didn't change color or shape, just size.  It is brown, uniformly shaped, smooth borders, oval shaped.  In fact, my doctor said that had I not said it had grown, he never would have given it a second look.  It looks like a textbook picture of a "normal benign mole."

My doc removed it, obviously, via a punch biopsy and I am now in agony waiting for the results.  My question is...a mole that grows that large that quickly...if it's not melanoma, what else can it be?  And by letting it go for six months, have I really done myself in here?  I am paralyzed with fear, even though I am trying to be rational.   Obviously, I slacked off over the summer from my thorough skin checks because we were traveling so much, but when I did my check for September, I found this!  I normally check at the end of each month ~ faithfully.  Needless to say, I'll never miss another one again.

So regarding my rebel mole...Any words of advice you'd care to share?

Thanks in advance!

[lizziecee]

Hi - just thought I would let you know the protocol on this site - in order to get the doctor to answer a question, you have to make a new post (and pay a fee). He doesn't answer questions hi-jacked onto someone else's question but users of the site can, and do sometimes answer with their own experiences, which can be helpful.  Hope someone replies to you, but if you really want a doctor to answer, you should make a new thread.

[Frankie1]

I know exacly how you feel. I have been paralyzed in fear since last Friday. I had a flat brown patch appear on my nose about 4 months ago. The last month it appeared to grow larger so I went to my dermatologist. It is about 1/4 inch around. I have no family history of melanoma nor any skin cancers. I applied Retin A to it and inflamed it. I saw my dermaltologist PA about 2 weeks ago. She had a watch and wait attitude. A week later I went to my Dermatologist. He suspected it was a lentigo (right side of my nose) He suggested two options, watch and wait or do a punch biopsy, get the results, if good, he'll remove it cosmetically. I've been waiting since last Friday. Had the stitches (2) removed this past Friday. My derma dr was in a conference. His surgical assistant who removed the stitches stated that if I don't hear from them by Wednesday of next week, then to call.

I am paralyzed with fear and uncertainty also. My questions are: If this was a melanoma would they have contacted me by now? No. 2: If the dr. suspects a melanoma does he put a "priority" on the biopsy speciman? I haven't eaten well for a week nor have a family support system to get me through this if this is not going to be good news. I completely understand your fear. I wish I had some answers. Punch Biopsy done last Friday, no news yet. Is this normal.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Good news.  Just keep up those regular appointments.

Dr. Rockoff

[mrcjschu]

I took your advice and called again.  The verdict is Moderate to Severe atypia.  WLE next week.  I've never been so happy to schedule a surgery in my life.  Go figure!

Thanks so much for your help!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think it will.  If you're being seen that often, any change should be able to be picked up in plenty of time.

Dr. Rockoff

[mrcjschu]

Thank you, Dr. Rockoff.  The waiting is the hardest part.  I am seen by my derm every four months, but like I said, this is one that slipped by us all because it looked so "normal."  I am just hoping that the normalcy factor works out in my favor.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I advise you to badger the doctor for the biopsy results.  My path lab sends me results the next day.

With your history, you should be examined head-to-toe every 6 months by a dermatologist.

It takes most melanomas quite a bit longer than 6 months to develop into anything significant.  That's why a 6-month checkup schedule makes sense.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff