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Severely dysplastic mole with cell changes.

cj1711
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Hi,

I have had a mole removed back in November. I was called back in Jan. At the appointment I was told that the mole was severely dysplastic but there were cell changes. I asked what that meant and she said that in her opinion it was highly likely that they were cancerous and although she was confident that it had all been removed they needed to take a safety margin. 

I wish I had asked more at the appointment but I was on my own due to covid and a bit shocked. Can anyone tell me if they have had a similar experience? From what I've read online it's either cancerous our it's not? Any thoughts?

I have had the second procedure, I have had removed roughly one inch wide/ 2inches long removed (rugby ball shaped) off my shin. If this next biopsy comes back with more cell changes what will happen next? 

I stupidly didn't ask as I hadn't realised this sample would also be analysed. At the consultation she said that this procedure would be a safety margin. But when I had the procedure done she said that it would be analysed and they would be in touch if they needed to do anything else.

What can I expect to happen if there are cell changes found and can anyone help me to understand what I've actually been told.

Tia! ‍♀️

 

 

  • Hello Cj1711

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had to have a mole removed. It's understandable that you're anxious about things. 

    I was going to suggest that you give our team of nurses a call to chat things through with them but I can see that since this post you've also posted in the Ask the Nurses topic area. They will reply to your post early next week when they're back in the office but if you wanted to call them total things through they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi,

    I know how worrying all this is, especially when you are on your own at results appointments.

    To try & put your mind at rest can I say that a dysplastic mole is one that has the ability to turn cancerous so it's sometimes referred to as a 'pre-cancerous' mole. The cells have different stages of change - some can be 'moderately' dysplastic whilst some are 'severely' dysplastic meaning they are closer to becoming cancerous - only a biopsy can show how close they are. 

    The routine treatment for such a diagnosis is to have a wide local excision which is what you have just had. This checks to ensure no stray cells have broken away and migrated to the surrounding tissue. Again, this is biopsied as it can't be checked with the naked eye. 

    Whether any cells are found in the surrounding tissue or not, it's very likely that they will monitor you with regular check ups for a short space of time. This is to ensure that all your moles are checked - those with a dysplastic mole tend have more chance of getting another. It doesn't mean they will be cancerous but they like to remove them to stop the chance they may become cancerous in the future. 

    I hope this helps,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

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