Skin Cancer Support Group

If you or a loved one has skin cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through the same. Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun. Skin cancer generally develops in the outermost layer of skin so a tumor is usually...

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biopsy report

bmason
bmason
I just got a call about my skin biopsy. They said my mole was not cancer but a dysplastic nevi which can turn into cancer. They want to go ahead and cut it out ( I had a shave biopsy ). Now my nerves are racing. Can they tell the difference between cancer and non cancer by just doing a shave biopsy? my appointment is in two weeks, shouldn't I get it done sooner?
redheaddiva
redheaddiva
A dysplastic nevi means there is the possibility it can turn into cancer. Some do, some don't but they just go ahead and remove them just in case. The pathologists are able to distinguish from cancer vs. dysplastic cells. I am assuming they are doing a wide local excision. I just had mine for Stage 1A melanoma on 8/7/14 and, while uncomfortable, it could be worse. I'm happy to have this behind me. From the time I received the diagnosis to the time I had the surgery, more than 1 month went by. While they strive to do them as soon as possible, it will not turn into cancer within 2 weeks as my melanoma did not get worse in a month.

That being said, with a history of dysplatic nevi, you are at increased risk of melanoma. This doesn't mean you will definitely get it...just that you are at higher than average risk. So wearing your sunscreen, being sun smart, and going to the dermatologist for regular skin checks is extremely important to prevent melanoma from occurring.

I hope this helped ease your fears some. I know you won't be sufficiently not worried until you get the procedure done. Hang in there...it'll be okay! (((HUGS)))

~Michelle
fayre
fayre
Yes, they can tell what it is by doing a shave biopsy. I've had a few of these done with no problems and they diagnosed my cancers correctly.

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I pray you get it taken care of and have no more issues.

Hugs,

(((((((()))))))

Mary Ellen
bmason
bmason
thank you both for your replies. I am getting a conservative excision tomorrow. I will be glad when this thing is out of me.