After A Visit To The Dermatologist With 2 Biopsies Both

Posted on Fri, 15 Nov 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

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.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry, atypical moles doesn’t imply that it is a melanoma

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to ask a doctor service
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
There is no need to worry as atypical moles on biopsy doesn’t mean that it could be melanoma.
To be on a safer side the doctor has asked for complete excision of the moles.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

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

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Negligible chances of finding melanoma in situ on biopsy

Detailed Answer:
Although atypical mole is a marker for the risk of melanoma but actual progression to melanoma is uncommon.
Majority of atypical naevi are benign and stable lesions.
There are negligible chances of finding an in situ melanoma on biopsy.

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

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (11 minutes later)

Since the initial biopsy came back with the severe atypical mole, not melanoma .....what are the chances that they will find melanoma during the clear margin procedure ?