Getting Tested

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    • September 3, 2014 at 3:49 pm
    logogriph
    Participant

      My family has a somewhat distant history of melanoma (grand-relatives and some cousins). I'm 21 and I'm going to the dermatologist next week to get a flaky and generally abnormal birthmark looked at (and hopefully biopsied), and since I've never done this before I have some questions and concerns that I'd be really, really grateful if anyone could answer.

      Right now, I'm trying not to think too far ahead and scare myself, so my only questions are about costs and procedures right now. I don't have insurance, and I don't have a lot of funds to spare at all. It's taken me months to scrap together enough just to cover the 110$ office visit fee. I know for sure I want my birthmark biopsied, but I also have a small (about 2-3mm) atypical nodular mole on my abdomen that I might want biopsied too. So, I want to ask how much a biopsy would cost? And would I have to pay this fee or any portion of it upfront? Will I be restricted to only certain biopsy types, like shave? If a doctor doesn't think a mole should be biopsied, will they generally refuse to do it or will they agree for my peace of mind? Will I be given any anaesthia for a biopsy?

      I know the costs probably vary from clinic to clinic, but any kind of information could help really.

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    • Replies
        • September 3, 2014 at 4:44 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          All the questions you asked are basically not answerable.  Every clinic is different, every doctor is different.  Some docs will remove anything a person wants.  Others will only remove things they think are problematic.  Some clinics will allow payments, others demand payment up front.  Some docs might require a different visit for different types of biopsy.  Biopsy fees will most likely be subject to biopsy type.  Local anesthesia would most likely be done — small injections of lidocaine around the area. 

          Have either of the two lesions changed?

          • September 3, 2014 at 4:44 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            All the questions you asked are basically not answerable.  Every clinic is different, every doctor is different.  Some docs will remove anything a person wants.  Others will only remove things they think are problematic.  Some clinics will allow payments, others demand payment up front.  Some docs might require a different visit for different types of biopsy.  Biopsy fees will most likely be subject to biopsy type.  Local anesthesia would most likely be done — small injections of lidocaine around the area. 

            Have either of the two lesions changed?

              • September 4, 2014 at 12:18 am
              logogriph
              Participant

                That's disappointing, but I guess it's the answer I expected. Thanks, though!

                The one on my belly is a new mole that I'm really only concerned with because it's very dark and raised with irregular borders, even though it's small. I don't think my birthmark has changed except for becoming dry and flaky in the past few weeks. It doesn't itch or anything, but considering multiple people in my family have been diagnosed with melanoma, one even younger than me, I'm concerned. The birthmark is also pretty large (probably at least an inch) and has had a couple of raised bumps in it for years.

                Thanks for replying, I really appreciate it!

                • September 4, 2014 at 12:18 am
                logogriph
                Participant

                  That's disappointing, but I guess it's the answer I expected. Thanks, though!

                  The one on my belly is a new mole that I'm really only concerned with because it's very dark and raised with irregular borders, even though it's small. I don't think my birthmark has changed except for becoming dry and flaky in the past few weeks. It doesn't itch or anything, but considering multiple people in my family have been diagnosed with melanoma, one even younger than me, I'm concerned. The birthmark is also pretty large (probably at least an inch) and has had a couple of raised bumps in it for years.

                  Thanks for replying, I really appreciate it!

                  • September 4, 2014 at 12:18 am
                  logogriph
                  Participant

                    That's disappointing, but I guess it's the answer I expected. Thanks, though!

                    The one on my belly is a new mole that I'm really only concerned with because it's very dark and raised with irregular borders, even though it's small. I don't think my birthmark has changed except for becoming dry and flaky in the past few weeks. It doesn't itch or anything, but considering multiple people in my family have been diagnosed with melanoma, one even younger than me, I'm concerned. The birthmark is also pretty large (probably at least an inch) and has had a couple of raised bumps in it for years.

                    Thanks for replying, I really appreciate it!

                  • September 3, 2014 at 4:44 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    All the questions you asked are basically not answerable.  Every clinic is different, every doctor is different.  Some docs will remove anything a person wants.  Others will only remove things they think are problematic.  Some clinics will allow payments, others demand payment up front.  Some docs might require a different visit for different types of biopsy.  Biopsy fees will most likely be subject to biopsy type.  Local anesthesia would most likely be done — small injections of lidocaine around the area. 

                    Have either of the two lesions changed?

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