Hey Everyone, new to the forum and newly diagnosed with melanoma. However, the extent of my situation is unclear due to a confusing pathology report. I am hoping someone can explain a bit more clearly than what I have gotten from the Derm. It reads as such:
DIAGNOSIS
Skin, right posterior shoulder, biopsy:
Malignant melanoma in situ, at least (see the comment and the microscopic fields)
Comment: Diagnostic evidence of invasive melanoma is not identified. But, there is a focal suggestion of nests of atypical melanocytes within the papillary dermis. However, definitive diagnostic evidence of papillary dermal invasion cannot be stated with certainty, given that the aforementioned nests of atypical melanocytes may actually be connected to the overlying epidermis and, because of tangential sectioning and strong inflammatory response, only give the illusion of the residing with the papillary dermis. The possibility of invasion can be further assessed upon histologic evaluation of the excision specimen, but at this time, invasive component is not favored.
CLINICAL HISTORY
Irregular brown macule. the differential diagnosis includes dysplastic nevus
GROSS DESCRIPTION
Received in formalin is skin. 6x5x1 mm
I have already had a WLE completed 11/30/22) and am awaiting results.
It almost seems as though there is some "him and haw" from the pathologist. Any help or clarification would be greatly appreciated!
Hi TypicalAbility and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I think that most of us weren't given a pathology report but were simply told by our consultant that we had melanoma and possibly what stage it was.
As everyone in the group is a patient, it's unlikely that any of us will be able to decipher your report. However, your skin cancer nurse specialist (SCNS), sometimes known as a keyworker, should be able to help. They are usually very helpful and will be able to explain your diagnosis to you in non-medical jargon.
If you haven't been assigned a SCNS yet, then give your consultant's secretary a call and she should be able to give you their name and phone number.
Do come back and let us know how you get on
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
