Further testing after skin biopsy...

I recently had a shave biopsy for what they called a 'pedunculated lesion' on the back of my leg. I received a letter informing me of a follow up appointment in August, however received a phone call Monday asking me to go in today instead due to a cancellation. 

My consultant informed me that my results were a little 'confusing' as althought from the appearance they assumed it was benign, the histology results have shown it may be something to do with BAP1, some sort of genetic thing that I've never heard of and she didn't really elaborate on this, other than asking me about family history and checking my body over for further lesions. 

She's booked me in for an excisional biopsy to remove more of the area for further testing and the original biopsy has been sent to another hospital to be analysed further. 

Has anyone else had an experience similar to this or heard of this gene at all? I'm a little confused right now and not really sure what to think or expect!!

  • Hi,

    I don't have personal experience of this but I do know that the BAP1 gene heightens the susceptibility of some cancerous tumours, including cutaneous melanoma. The excision will ensure that the lesion has been fully removed and the biopsy should tell them if it's atypical (precancerous) or melanoma. Hopefully it's the former but try not to panic if it's melanoma as treatment has got much better these days. The BAP1 gene is usually shared in families so that's why you were asked your family history.

    Good luck with your results and please let us know how you get on.

    Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009