Stopping biopsies

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    • May 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm
    Scared99
    Participant

      I was curious if any of you have this issue.  I have a good deal of moles, probably around 200 or so tiny ones and maybe 10-20 3mm-4mm moles.  I never went to the dermatologist in my childhood, teens or 20's.  Last year I went and started getting exams.  I've never had melanoma. No one in my family has ever had melanoma.  My doctor has taken 4 moles off of me so far.  He took one off my stomach that I had since my 20's.  I've had one mole come back the lowest level of dyspastic.  All the other moles were normal. All these removals have left what looks like burn marks on my body.  He had me come back for a 6month follow up.  He looked over my body and pointed out a mole on my temple. I have had this mole since I was a teen and never thought twice about it.   It has not grown over the years.  He wanted to biopsy this mole.  I stopped him and am trying to figure out other options.  I read that finding a doctor that uses a dermascope can eliminate uneeded biopsies?   I am getting tired of going to the doctor and having him cut things off….. Having my anxiety sky rocket for 3-4 weeks only to find out it was a notmal mole.  Am I doing the right thing ? 

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        • May 26, 2016 at 4:44 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          Some derms are really knife happy. Sounds like you've got one of those. It is your body, so I am glad you stopped him and took control. Yes, a derm that uses a dermascope will be able to see characteristics under the dermascope that can't be seen with the naked eye and can give indication of whether a biopsy is needed or not. Also, keep in mind the "ugly duckling" rule of thumb. If a mole looks different from the rest of your moles, it might be worth watching. CHANGE is also the biggest factor to look for. If a mole has not changed in 20 years, there is no reason it needs to be biopsied. Keep tabs on your moles, take pictures of any that look different to you and compare after a month or so. If nothing changes, there's really not much reason to keep cutting you up. Also, if you do get another biopsy, ask for a punch instead of a shave, so that way you can get a little stitch and not end up with what looks like burn mark scars all over. They heal better and the scar is a lot smaller with punches. Go find a new derm that doesn't feel the need to turn you into swiss cheese and make a bunch of money off unnecessary biopsies. 

          All the best,

          • May 26, 2016 at 4:44 pm
          jennunicorn
          Participant

            Some derms are really knife happy. Sounds like you've got one of those. It is your body, so I am glad you stopped him and took control. Yes, a derm that uses a dermascope will be able to see characteristics under the dermascope that can't be seen with the naked eye and can give indication of whether a biopsy is needed or not. Also, keep in mind the "ugly duckling" rule of thumb. If a mole looks different from the rest of your moles, it might be worth watching. CHANGE is also the biggest factor to look for. If a mole has not changed in 20 years, there is no reason it needs to be biopsied. Keep tabs on your moles, take pictures of any that look different to you and compare after a month or so. If nothing changes, there's really not much reason to keep cutting you up. Also, if you do get another biopsy, ask for a punch instead of a shave, so that way you can get a little stitch and not end up with what looks like burn mark scars all over. They heal better and the scar is a lot smaller with punches. Go find a new derm that doesn't feel the need to turn you into swiss cheese and make a bunch of money off unnecessary biopsies. 

            All the best,

            • May 26, 2016 at 4:44 pm
            jennunicorn
            Participant

              Some derms are really knife happy. Sounds like you've got one of those. It is your body, so I am glad you stopped him and took control. Yes, a derm that uses a dermascope will be able to see characteristics under the dermascope that can't be seen with the naked eye and can give indication of whether a biopsy is needed or not. Also, keep in mind the "ugly duckling" rule of thumb. If a mole looks different from the rest of your moles, it might be worth watching. CHANGE is also the biggest factor to look for. If a mole has not changed in 20 years, there is no reason it needs to be biopsied. Keep tabs on your moles, take pictures of any that look different to you and compare after a month or so. If nothing changes, there's really not much reason to keep cutting you up. Also, if you do get another biopsy, ask for a punch instead of a shave, so that way you can get a little stitch and not end up with what looks like burn mark scars all over. They heal better and the scar is a lot smaller with punches. Go find a new derm that doesn't feel the need to turn you into swiss cheese and make a bunch of money off unnecessary biopsies. 

              All the best,

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