Inflamed Mole Biopsy. Is it Common to Send Back to Pathologist to Double Check? (photo)

Melanoma can be a tricky diagnosis. You need the margins to be looked at to determine if there is melanoma present. Without atypia I think the concern is less. If it bothers you I would remove it to be certain. The diagnosis after removal is better under pathology.

 No, most practioners do not ask a pathologist to take a second look. You are probably OK. It is unusual for a pathologist to change a diagnosis. Best,

 

Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

All your doctor is doing is being certain you don't have a skin cancer.  Any unusual healing after excision should be evaluated more thoroughly.

While it is not uncommon to request deeper cuts on a biopsy, it is possible your doctor had some additional concerns based on his/her clinical observations. The initial report showing no atypical cells is certainly quite reassuring and deeper cuts are unlikely to change the diagnosis. Please use the ABCDE's as your guide for when to be concerned about moles: A for Asymmetry; B for irregular Borders; C for black or uneven Colors; D for Diameter greater than a pencil eraser; and E for a growth that is Evolving or changing. You can follow the video link below to learn more about identifying the changes in moles that are suspicious for skin cancer.