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WLE for Dysplastic Nevus

RebeccaB
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Hello, 

About 2 months ago now I had a dodgy looking mole shaved off on the front of my neck. About a month later i had a call telling me it wasn't a melanoma but was a dysplastic nevus (sigh of relief). However, i have to go back for a Wider Excision. The nurse said i didnt have to have the procedure but because i am young they want to be precautious so it doesn't come back as melanoma in years times (im 24). I'm really worried and have read some nasty stories about long recovery times and permanent scars etc. Is this true? The original mole was tiny and dark with 2 little black dots within in which is why they cut it out.

I've been reading up on WLE and have read they are all different. Does anybody know what size margins i can expect for them to be removing? I've taken the day off work but will be going back the day after (I only work in an office at a computer). 

If anyone could relieve my anxieties that would be helpful!! Thanks so much, Becky xx

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    Hi Becky,

    Because your mole is a dysplastic navus the wide excision will be smaller than usual. This link explains the size and type of excision they will do - hopefully it won't be too debilitating for your return to work. Because of it's location I'm sure the Plastic Surgeon will do a neat and tidy job that will hardly be noticeable in time. skincancer.net/.../

    Good luck,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

     

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

    Thanks so much for your response it's really put my mind at rest as I could only find information regarding excisions on melanomas which were pretty big.
     

    I think I have a long road ahead of been sliced open as I'm very moley! But the fact they're doing this as a precaution to avoid anything nasty in the future makes me think I'm in great hands with my dermatologists. 
     

    Thanks again, Becky xx
     

  • Offline in reply to RebeccaB

    Hi Becky,

    I'm afraid that those with dysplastic moles tend to be very moley people but don't worry about further removals, they will only do this if felt really necessary (my brother & his 2 children have all had dysplastic moles removed but only my niece has had more than one removed)! Since my melanoma diagnosis 23 years ago I have had 7 further moles/lesions removed (not dysplastic but possibly melanoma or basal cell). Thankfully they were all benign but I do look a little like a patchwork quilt. You are certainly in good hands xx

  • Offline in reply to AngieT
    Hi again!, Had my procedure this morning and all went well! 4 small stitches. He also explained it was low level dysplasia and this was only just precaution so I can leave happy and don’t have to worry about results etc. Going back for a check up at the end of the month and hopefully will be invited regularly to keep an eye on me. Thanks so much hope all is well! Xx
  • Offline in reply to RebeccaB

    Great news - now you can recover well x

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