I'm male, 33.
My grandpa had skin cancer.
Attended a clinic today and got some checks done and they did some medical photos using a dermascopic lens. The report came back as attached in the links.
The words don't mean much sense to me but severely atypical sounds worrying and I am very worried by the differential diagnosis and the nurse saying that they cannot rule out melanoma. She did say that if if is melanoma it's extremely unlikely to have spread but I'm just not sure as its a very aggressive cancer.
Not sure what to think as this is all very sudden to me. I don't have any particular knowledge about melanoma and how much trouble I'd be in. I feel the worst for my fiance.
Have no idea about how much of my skin they will excise in the procedure next week. Or how far along the melanoma may be if it is that.
If it's melanoma, I think and they need to do a WLE I would think that I'd need to see an NHS consultant.
I am scared, this was sudden. I don't know how to process what is happening. Its midnight and i am just not able to sleep. The parts of the report that frighten me:
Primary Diagnosis: Pre-malignant; Severely atypical/dysplastic naevus
Differential Diagnosis: Malignant; Melanoma and lentigo maligna
Explanation of Terms: The Primary Diagnosis is what the diagnostician thinks is the most probable outcome based on the information and images provided.
The Differential Diagnosis, if given, is a less probable, but still possible outcome based on that information.
Recommendation Urgent referral to a Consultant recommended.
Why have I been recommended an 'Urgent Referral'? If there is any possibility of melanoma, we always recommend an 'Urgent Referral' which means your GP should refer you to a specialist who should see you within 2 weeks. Although most people urgently referred do NOT have melanoma, it is still very important that anyone recommended an 'Urgent Referral' sees a specialist as a precaution.
Hi Winton2024 and a very warm welcome to the forum which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
It's natural to be feeling worried when you have the possibility of melanoma being diagnosed. I too had an atypical naevus removed but, although I'd previously been diagnosed with melanoma, this one was just an atypical mole.
You can read more about dysplastic naevus, including what they are and how they're treated, by clicking here. The link will take you to a patient leaflet produced by the British Association of Dermatologists. You'll see that it says that they're hard to differentiate from a melanoma and that is why you've been referred to see a consultant.
Normally on the first appointment with a consultant your atypical mole will be looked at and a decision will be made whether to remove it for biopsy or to 'watch and wait' over a period of a few months. However, as you've said "Have no idea about how much of my skin they will excise in the procedure next week", you've obviously got an appointment already for an excisional biopsy.
When they remove the mole a small area of healthy looking skin all around it will be removed to make sure they have 'clear margins'. This procedure will be done under a local anaesthetic. You will only need the WLE that you mention if the mole does turn out to be melanoma.
When you have the excisional biopsy next week, ask how long results are currently taking in your area of the country and how you'll get the results, ie hospital appointment, phone call, letter. You should be given a contact number to call if you haven't received the results after the period of time they advise.
I hope this helps but if you have any further questions I'll be happy to try and answer them.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
As mine wasn't severely atypical I don't know what the difference is or if it increases the risk that it might be a melanoma. You could ask that in the Ask a Nurse section of the online community.
You're right that waiting for results is horrible and my best advice would be to distract yourself by doing things that you enjoy.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
