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After A Visit To The Dermatologist With 2 Biopsies Both
Question: After a visit to the dermatologist with 2 biopsies both came back “severe atypical moles”. Full excisions were scheduled. After conversations with the nurses I was told by both that this was a pre cancerous situation only and that after the excisions to get clear margins ..all would be OK. Do I have reason for concern it could be melanoma if the scrapes were as described above.
Brief Answer:
Regarding a dysplastic nevus
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. have gone through your query and noted your concern
Atypical mole is a clinical diagnosis and it is very hard to tell the difference between an early melanoma and a severely dysplastic nevus. Some signs which definitely suggest melanoma is bleeding, crusting, itching, pain and white or bluish color variegation. However, the difference between the two can only be discerned with certainty on a biopsy because a melanoma is invasive i.e extends to the dermis. In either case, removal with clear margins would take away any element of invasion.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Regarding a dysplastic nevus
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. have gone through your query and noted your concern
Atypical mole is a clinical diagnosis and it is very hard to tell the difference between an early melanoma and a severely dysplastic nevus. Some signs which definitely suggest melanoma is bleeding, crusting, itching, pain and white or bluish color variegation. However, the difference between the two can only be discerned with certainty on a biopsy because a melanoma is invasive i.e extends to the dermis. In either case, removal with clear margins would take away any element of invasion.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
Regarding melanoma and atypical moles
Detailed Answer:
hi.
Yes certainly, if the margins are all clear means all Ok. For a fact, not all melanomas arise from atypical moles. In fact most melanomas arise elsewhere!! Anyways a few atypical moles (<5) on body is does not increase risk of melanoma. However, more than 5 atypical moles is associated with an increased risk of melanoma as is also a greater number of normal looking moles. Therefore, regular full body screening of moles is the best way to detect and screen for any changes suggestive of melanoma.
Take care.
Regarding melanoma and atypical moles
Detailed Answer:
hi.
Yes certainly, if the margins are all clear means all Ok. For a fact, not all melanomas arise from atypical moles. In fact most melanomas arise elsewhere!! Anyways a few atypical moles (<5) on body is does not increase risk of melanoma. However, more than 5 atypical moles is associated with an increased risk of melanoma as is also a greater number of normal looking moles. Therefore, regular full body screening of moles is the best way to detect and screen for any changes suggestive of melanoma.
Take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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