Dysplastic nevi removal and residual. Does it mean that I have melanoma?

Question

I had a dysplastic nevi shaved excised and sent for biopsy. The nevi was about 4 mm wide. Upon performing the shave excision a small part of the mole still remains. It's about 1.5 mm wide and single shade of dark brown and defined round edges. That a part of the mole remains worries me. Does that mean that I have melanoma and it has invaded the dermis. Please help. I am still waiting the biopsy results but two weeks seems like 2 years away.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If the most was dysplastic and needed to be removed it should be fully excised.  Please see your physician to have this excised completely and send for analysis.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A dysplastic nevus is considered a precancerous growth, not a melanoma. In our office, we will do
an excision with suture closure to get clear margins for all moles that have
moderate to severe atypia. For a mildly atypical mole we will observe the area
and, if any pigmentation recurs in the biopsy site in the future, a very small
excision is done (often with a small punch biopsy tool) for a minimal scar. We
also follow all of our "atypical mole" patients by doing full skin
examinations every six months.

Dysplastic nevi removal and residual. Does it mean that I have melanoma?

Answers (2)

More Mole Removal Questions

Dysplastic nevi removal and residual. Does it mean that I have melanoma?

Answers (2)

More Mole Removal Questions

I have had my mole removed and stitched back up with dissolvable stitches, when will they fall off?

dog ears after mole removal via punch excision ? (photos)

Is this normal? Will the bump flatten out when I get my stitches out or will I have to have this shaved?