It has been 15 days since skin biopsy, I am very worried. Should I be concerned?

Question

I saw a mohs surgeon 15 days ago and he shaved off a mole on my belly a bit under 6mm, he said it was moderately atypical. it had hairs growing in it and around, was dark brown. He said it was 99% a compound nevi. It has been 15 days and I have not heard back from him or the office. Should I be concerned?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend that you call the office to obtain a status report on your biopsy and the next phase of treatment of your mole. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos Angeles

Laurie Jacobson, MD · Answer

Generally, we reach our patients within a week of the biopsy with their biopsy results.  In some cases when the biopsy is a challenge to interpret, it can be sent out for a second opinion which may delay the diagnosis by another 2-3 weeks.  If you have not heard from your doctor and it has been over two weeks as you allude to, I would recommend calling the office and asking what the status of the report is.  If it is indeed a moderately dysplastic nevus, I would recommend a re-excision of the site to be certain all of the atypical cells have been removed.  The procedure is relatively straightforward and one all dermatologists are well trained to perform.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Any mole with atypical features should be removed completely surgically. Contact your surgeon for complete removal or have a plastic surgeon remove it.  You need to take control of your health care.Samir Shureih MD.FACSsshureih@msn.com

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The results of your biopsy will dictate the next step. If the mole is benign, you do not need to do anything further. If it is atypical (precancerous) you may need to have it further excised. I try to make sure that all of our patients are contacted with their biopsy results within two weeks. I suggest you call your doctor's office but at this point there is no extra reason to be concerned.

It has been 15 days since skin biopsy, I am very worried. Should I be concerned?

Answers (4)

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