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Suggest Treatment For Unusually Pigmented Moles On Face
Question: Hi,
I have seen a skin specialist for a mole of irregular pigmentation and borders on the face. The mole is dark in the centre but has a much lighter surrounding and it's the lighter surrounding which appears to be growing. He has said that the only way to be sure if there is any serious issue is through biopsy but it will leave a small scar. He also said that often the main giveaway is if the mole changes appearance.
Given that the biopsy would leave a scar, how accurate is a biopsy in determining whether a mole is benign or cancerous? Is it virtually 100% accurate in most cases?
Thanks.
I have seen a skin specialist for a mole of irregular pigmentation and borders on the face. The mole is dark in the centre but has a much lighter surrounding and it's the lighter surrounding which appears to be growing. He has said that the only way to be sure if there is any serious issue is through biopsy but it will leave a small scar. He also said that often the main giveaway is if the mole changes appearance.
Given that the biopsy would leave a scar, how accurate is a biopsy in determining whether a mole is benign or cancerous? Is it virtually 100% accurate in most cases?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
A biopsy is 100% accurate
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
A biopsy is the surest way to confirm the nature of a pigmented lesion. It is 100% accurate in hands of an experienced dermatopathologist. Moreover, if it is an excision biopsy, it will also get rid of the melanocytic lesion in the process.
However, the decision whether to biopsy a mole or not is largely based on clinical judgement. If a melanocytic lesion has changed significantly Or if it looks very different from rest of the moles on body (ugly duckling sign), is enough reason to do a biopsy.
An alternative to biopsy is a non-invasive skin examination by a dermoscope i.e dermoscopic examination, which would also determine the exact nature of pigmented skin lesion, looking at the specific patterns/ pigment networks.
Regards
A biopsy is 100% accurate
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.
A biopsy is the surest way to confirm the nature of a pigmented lesion. It is 100% accurate in hands of an experienced dermatopathologist. Moreover, if it is an excision biopsy, it will also get rid of the melanocytic lesion in the process.
However, the decision whether to biopsy a mole or not is largely based on clinical judgement. If a melanocytic lesion has changed significantly Or if it looks very different from rest of the moles on body (ugly duckling sign), is enough reason to do a biopsy.
An alternative to biopsy is a non-invasive skin examination by a dermoscope i.e dermoscopic examination, which would also determine the exact nature of pigmented skin lesion, looking at the specific patterns/ pigment networks.
Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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