Pathology report help

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  • Post
    • February 22, 2018 at 9:21 pm
    wildwilly69
    Participant

      Hi,

       

      I received a pathology report below and not sure what it means.  I have been scheduled to have a wider section removed based on this report.  I need help understanding the report.

       

      FINAL
      MICROSCOPIC
      DIAGNOSIS: A. Right pretibia, Shave Biopsy:"" SEVERELY
      ATYPICAL
      INTRAEPIDERMAL
      MELANOCYTIC
      PROLIFERATION
      W ITH DENSE
      HOST RESPONSE;
      EXTENDING TO
      ONE PERIPHERAL
      MARGIN."" "" Comment:
      Although the
      findings are not
      sufficient to
      render a
      definitive
      diagnosis of
      melanoma in
      situ, the lesion is
      significantly
      atypical. Initial
      and multiple
      deeper sections
      were examined. A
      MART-1
      immunostain
      (with appropriate
      controls)
      highlights
      melanocyte
      distribution and
      supports the
      above diagnosis. Sections show a
      proliferation of
      atypical
      melanocytes at
      the
      dermoepidermal
      junction, with
      areas of
      confluence.

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    • Replies
        • February 23, 2018 at 5:01 pm
        ed williams
        Participant

          Hi Anon, didn't want to leave you hanging any longer, I am sure one of the early stage experts will chime in but as I read it, no big deal, you caught things early enough. Pretty sure you are just looking at getting good margins and then follow the instructions that Dermatologist gives you. If you go back and look at older post of insitu or Atypical path reports, look for the name Janner, any post where she gives advice to similiar early path reports are gold as far as good advice. Take Care!!!Ed

          • February 23, 2018 at 6:14 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            The diagnosis is NOT melanoma.  It is a severely atypical lesion.  However, most doctors recommend having additional margins removed.  The margins recommended are actually the same margins (5 mm) you would have removed if you had a very early melanoma.  Early melanomas are called "in situ".  So this isn't melanoma and may never had become melanoma, but it's close enough to be cautious and have extra skin removed – just in case.  Continue to watch your other moles for change!

              • February 23, 2018 at 7:29 pm
              wildwilly69
              Participant

                Thank you for the explanation of the report.  I'm scheduled to have more removed and will watch other moles for changes.  Thank you again.

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