Columbus Dermatologists

Can I wait until November (3 mo) to have Mohs done?

On 8/4/11 I received a Pathology Report which stated; SKIN LESION RIGHT MEDIAL MALAR CHEEK: SMALL MODULAR BASAL CELL CARCINOMA. Comments; Nests and cords of basil cell carcinoma cells exhibit peripheral palisading and are at the dermal-epidermal junction with extension into the underlying dermis. The lesion extends just barely up into the deep margin. NOTE: We have been planning a trip for September and October for some time. Would it be feasible to wait until we return to have the Mohs?

Basal cell carcinoma is not an agressive skin cancer; it has a tendency to linger and grow slightly larger and deeper with time. Only very rarely does it spread to organs outside skin, such as lymph nodes. Given a small size and non-aggressive  histology (what it looks like under a microscope), you can wait a couple of months to do surgery. Once you identify the time frame that is convinient to you, schedule an appointment right away to avoid further delay.

Larisa Ravitskiy, MD

Columbus Dermatologist

What Pain Should I Expect After Having a Mole Removed?

i had a mole removed 2 days ago. and in a bit of pain. it was taken off from the bottom of my neck. since i has been removed i have a spot type of rash come up over my shoulders, chest and back. is this realated? what pain should i expect and how can i try and relieve the pain as parectamol is not working neither is ibprofen.

Even after a small surgical procedure such as mole removal, infection may develop. Talk to your doctor about performing a culture of the affected area, prescribing topical antibiotics, or even a course of oral antibiotics. You may also have been allergic to something in the local anesthetic or a dressing used to cover the wound. Again, talking to your doctor would help in identifying the problem.

Larisa Ravitskiy, MD

Columbus Dermatologist

Should a Mole That Has Mild to Moderate Cells Be Removed or Watched?

Should a Mole That Has Mild to Moderate Cells Be Removed or Watched?

For moles with minimal to moderate atypia, careful clinical observation may be performed. However, whenever  atypia is in the moderate spectrum, excision with sutured reconstruction may offer an excellent cosmetic outcome while giving you the peace of mind that the abnormality is removed completely. Excised specimen should be sent to a dermatopathologist for an evaluation to confirm that the lesion was removed and that no further abnormality, such as melanoma, was present.

Larisa Ravitskiy, MD

Columbus Dermatologist