Concerns Regarding Atypical Skin Growth
Greetings! I’m a 26-year-old woman with fair skin and have never undergone a biopsy until recently. I discovered a mole on my leg that had an unusual shape, prompting me to consult with my dermatologist, despite having already completed my annual skin examination earlier this year. During the visit, she decided to biopsy the mole, and the results indicated it is classified as a severely atypical mole. This news is causing me quite a bit of distress. If anyone has insights or advice to help alleviate my anxiety, I would greatly appreciate it. The medical team reassured me that the mole is not malignant; however, they recommended further excision as a precautionary measure. The biopsy findings are detailed as follows: "The specimen shows a compound melanocytic nevus with severe atypia. There are clusters of melanocytes located at both the dermal-epidermal junction and within the dermis. Notable architectural disarray and severe variations in the appearance of melanocytes are observed, alongside an inflammatory response from the host. Immunohistochemical analyses utilizing SOX10 and HMB45 reveal a lack of significant upward migration of pagetoid cells or the merging of melanocytes. About 30% of the melanocytes express PRAME. Double labeling with K-mart indicates that there is no notable increase in the proliferation of melanocytic cells. Atypical cells are present at the margins, and it is advised that a re-excision be performed.”
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 12:31:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious after receiving concerning biopsy results, especially when it involves an atypical skin growth. Here's a breakdown of the situation and some action steps you can take to manage both your skin health and your anxiety.
Main Points
- The biopsy showed a severely atypical mole, but it is not malignant.
- Follow-up excision is recommended to ensure complete removal and monitoring.
- Managing anxiety is important during this process.
Explanation
The results indicating a "severely atypical mole" suggest that while the mole is not cancerous, it has features that could potentially develop into skin cancer. This is why your dermatologist has recommended further excision—it's a preventive measure to ensure all atypical areas are removed and to minimize future risks.
Your team’s recommendation for re-excision is standard practice for this situation. It’s reassuring that they have confirmed it is not malignant, but addressing and removing the atypical cells is key in preventing any potential development into more serious conditions.
Next Steps
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Schedule the Follow-Up Procedure: Contact your dermatologist to schedule the excision. It’s best to address this promptly to ensure peace of mind and proper management of your skin health.
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Manage Anxiety: Engage in relaxation techniques to help alleviate your anxiety. Consider mindfulness or meditation practices, deep breathing exercises, or talking to a friend or family member about your feelings.
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Education and Monitoring: Learn about skin health, regular skin checks, and sun protection. Keep an eye on your skin for any new changes or moles, and continue performing your monthly self-examinations to stay proactive.
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Stay Informed: If there's anything you don't understand about the procedure or the findings, write down your questions and discuss them with your dermatologist during your next visit. Clear understanding can help reduce anxiety.
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Follow-Up Care: After the excision, follow your dermatologist’s post-procedure care instructions carefully, and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing well.
Remember, it's normal to feel anxious, but you are taking the correct steps to look after your health. If at any point your anxiety feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide support. You're not alone in this!
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