I Have Had 2 Skin Biopsies Come Back %E2%80%9Csevere%E2%80%9D Atypical

Posted on Sat, 7 Dec 2019

Question: I have had 2 skin biopsies come back %E2%80%9Csevere%E2%80%9D atypical mole. Excisions are scheduled. I was told by the doctor%E2%80%99s office that these are pre cancers and the excisions are to insure clear margins. Is there a chance that the pathology of the margin sample could be malignant regardless of the first biopsy?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding nevi

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

There is a chance but that is more common with severely dysplastic nevi or because it was an early melanoma or an in situ melanoma to begin with. In either case the margins have to be re-excised to ensure it is all clear of risk.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

You mentioned that the risk was higher with severe atypical moles...I specified that mine were severe in my inquiry. That has raised my anxiety...are these margins read at the time of the excision...like a Mohs surgery...or are they sent out which requires more wait time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding dysplastic nevi

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I am sorry if I raised your anxiety level but my answer was pertaining to shave biopsy or shave removal specimens (SRS) of dysplastic nevi which if it shows severe dysplasia is more likely to recur and is therefore best considered for excision. Excision of course offers the best chance for a clear margin and for detection as well as prevention of early melanoma.
Take care. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

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