Question:
The doctor
removed (completely) a small mole from my back and it came back as
dysplastic (spelling?). It's apparently not cancer. I won't have
access to the doctor for a few months (unavoidable) but really want to
ask about this. If you have a dysplastic mole on the back, what does
this say about the likelihood that you will get melanoma in the
future? Must melanoma develop form a dysplastic mole first? So if
you make sure you remove all moles (over time) that are dysplastic,
does this ensure that you never give melanoma a chance to develop? I
guess I'm wondering if I can relax as long as I do 3-6 month visits to
the doctor and make sure I don't let moles develop from dysplastic to
cancer. Is this reasonable thinking? I would love to know the
statistical probability that I will die of melanoma based on my age
(43) and the fact that this mole was found. I have other moles on the
back and front but the doctor only chose to remove this one.
Answer:
I am 47 and had 4 "suspicious" moles removed from my back about 2
years ago. One of the moles was reported "Atypical" or dysplastic
(same thing). I had to go in to get more tissue removed around that
site because the abnormal cells extended to the edge of the specimen.
After the second treatment there were no more abnormal cells found.
The best resource is of course your dermatologist. Basically , you
are at higher risk for developing melanoma and should visit the
dermatologist at least twice a year (or as recommended by him/her). I
was told to make an appointment every 6 months. I've been back 3
times and so far no other moles were found. Does this mean you will
get melanoma in the future ? Who knows, but with early detection and
treatment your odds of survival are greatly enhanced. If you keep on
top of it and visit the dermatologist, stay out of the sun, use
sunscreen then your odds of actually dying from melanoma are greatly
reduced. The doctor can tell right away which moles are suspicious
and which aren't. I would trust your doctor and follow the advice. I
don't worry about it, I have too much living to do ! :)
