Shave biopsy questions

[needanswers137]

Hello, hoping someone can help me. I am a 50 year old woman. I went to the dermatologist to have a spot on my calf looked at. He said he thought it was a Dermatofibroma, and could do a punch to get it out. He also checked some other spots at my request. Most he said were lentigoes, but one spot on my chest concerned him because it had irregular edges. I've had it for quite some time. It was about the size of a pencil eraser. He said he wanted to take it off with a shave biopsy. I pressed him on what it could possibly be and he said "melanoma". Needless to say, I was scared to death.  I made an appointment for the next day (today) and had the punch biopsy and shave biopsy done this morning. He said it was easy and that he didn't have to go deep to get the mark on my chest out. I asked if that was a good sign, and he said yes. I should get the results in 2 weeks. I go back to get the stitches on my calf out in 13 days, so expect I'll have the results then.

I am worried about the biopsy on my chest, that it really is melanoma. I looked at the shave biopsy site, and it looks black in the hole where he took out the mole. That makes me think that he didn't get it all, and the black is cancer.

Can anyone tell me what a "normal" shave biopsy site looks like as it heals? I am worried, and am trying not to be.

[needanswers137]

Thanks for your response. The site is healing nicely, and I think you are right about the silver nitrate. I got the pathology results, and the spot on my chest was melanoma in situ. I have already met with the plastic surgery to have the entire thing removed. I have also been back to my dermatologist for a full body check, and he said the rest of my skin looks good! So I am so happy I went in to have the dermatofibroma checked out, and that I showed him the spot on my chest! This was caught early, thankfully, so had not become invasive. I go back to my dermatologist in six months, but will also be checking my skin regularly for anything new or changing.

[nursevikki]

Hi!  I am a nurse in the surgical field.  I have seen biopsy sites, after excision of skin lesions, have the darkness inside that you described.  It may only look black because often MD's will use a substance called silver nitrate to control bleeding at the site.  Once dried it looks like a black/charcoal scab.  You can always call the Md and ask if he stopped the bleeding by using silver nitrate, that would give  you peace of mind! I hope that helps!  All the Best and remember to cross one bridge at a time!

[stillsmilng]

HI! I had the shave biopsy thing you were talking about like a year ago.In my case I did have melanoma but hopefully it is a negative for you.Umm I cant really recall if it turned a black color or not afterwards but i don't think it did. I'm not of much help right now but if it were to be a positive biopsy then i can help you thru it.Please keep us informed on what is going on.I wish i had found this site at the beginning of everything because most of the time I felt down I just needed someone who was in my shoes to talk 2. May God bless you though & don't worry too much! =)

Starla