Post by NewOrleans on Jul 16, 2021 11:58:31 GMT -5
Had an ugly duckling mole darker than all others discovered on my back and biopsied in my routine dermatology check (in memory of Shannon!). It came back benign / not cancerous but moderately atypical “all the way to the edges“ so they want their surgeon to scoop out the whole thing. Sounds good to me. I have to wait a couple months for an opening but in the meantime, anyone ever had this done who can tell me what to expect?
I don’t know the size of the mole but it was not its size that made them biopsy it in the first place, so it’s not a large one, if that matters to the experience.
i had one the size of a pencil eraser removed from the bottom of my foot. The needles for the local anesthetic i think hurt more than anything. lol. I suspect local in your back might not be as bad.
i had one the size of a pencil eraser removed from the bottom of my foot. The needles for the local anesthetic i think hurt more than anything. lol. I suspect local in your back might not be as bad.
ooh that would hurt! The bottom of the feet are so fleshy!
Post by basilosaurus on Jul 16, 2021 12:18:53 GMT -5
I scar very easily. I had a mole removed at 18 that had been there as long as I could remember, slightly bigger than pencil eraser. It didn't really ever change, but they removed it anyway due to size. I still have a scar. I don't think he stitched it, probably thinking a teen wouldn't have a problem. It doesn't bother me, though. I still have scars from the needle where stitches went in for a different type of thing removed, about the same size if not smaller, 10+ years ago.
If scars concern you, you're better off going to a plastic surgeon. My mom's gone to one for all her pre-cancerous lesions if they were on her face. They're not just boob job people, and they coordinate with derms all the time.
Pain was minimal. It's a little weird to feel the tug as they throw in stitches, but you're a tough badass woman. You'll be fine.
I had a "severely atypical" mole removed. I would ask how far they intend to 'scoop' it out. I was unprepared for what happened. Then you'll know how big the scar will be and if you want a plastic surgeon.
I had a "severely atypical" mole removed. I would ask how far they intend to 'scoop' it out. I was unprepared for what happened. Then you'll know how big the scar will be and if you want a plastic surgeon.
They mentioned stitches inside and stitches at the surface. I used the word scoop, lol. *They* used the words cut and excise.
I've had so many removed that I've lost count. I've also had a couple where the atypical cells had reached the edge and had to go back to get more removed. I've never found it to be very painful, just a little sore when the anesthetic wears off. I do have a lot of scars, but they are small and minor. They've never bothered me much.
I also had one on the bottom of my foot removed and that one was very painful.
My derm likes the cauterizing scalpel thingie (I believe that’s the technical term), so I chew gum to mask the smell of burning flesh. Not usually painful. The scar should be smaller than what they remove. I had a couple on my neck that were the most visible spots, and the scars are much less noticeable than the moles were, so that’s how I look at it.
I've had probably 15 removed. All but 3 were the numb and scalpel off type. For the three that required stitches, the derm recommended I go to a plastic surgeon to minimize scarring. Depending on "bad" yours is, they typically will go outside the borders of the actual mole. If they do that, and they say you will need stitches, I'd ask about a plastic surgeon.
It really depends on how big it is and how tight your skin is. I imagine if it is benign they may not go as deep with their cut, but depth impacts the size of the scar.
I had a melanoma (in situ, thankfully) removed in February. I have a large scar that is much bigger than the melanoma because my skin on my shoulder was so tight they had to extend the stitches out in a t-shape to close up the wound. The pic below shows the melanoma with the cut lines around it (they only cut the circle, not the triangle points). And then the stitch which is to scale.
If you'd like the pics of how deep it went i can PM you. Just let me know. The "scoop" was about 3-6 mm deep. It is gnarly to look at. You can also google image search, "mole excision hole" for images.
I've had probably 15 removed. All but 3 were the numb and scalpel off type. For the three that required stitches, the derm recommended I go to a plastic surgeon to minimize scarring. Depending on "bad" yours is, they typically will go outside the borders of the actual mole. If they do that, and they say you will need stitches, I'd ask about a plastic surgeon.
I also agree with this since it's benign.
Since mine was malignant they rushed me to the dermatology surgeon to cut it out stat.
I did not have surgical excision, I had a larger mole on my back removed with basically an electrified wire loop because the area around it started losing pigmentation. Luckily all was benign. The thing I noticed most was muscle and nerve pain in the area for a few weeks. I think my muscles were tensing up because of the healing process from the mole removal. That was something I didn't expect, so figured I'd share it.
I did not have surgical excision, I had a larger mole on my back removed with basically an electrified wire loop because the area around it started losing pigmentation. Luckily all was benign. The thing I noticed most was muscle and nerve pain in the area for a few weeks. I think my muscles were tensing up because of the healing process from the mole removal. That was something I didn't expect, so figured I'd share it.
This is important.
My muscle and nerve pain was extremely bothersome. Then a week after surgery I got my covid shot in the same arm, so my nerves felt electrified up and down my arm. It was hard to separate the pain/discomfort from the surgical site vs. the shot. Not my smartest move there.
I had a spot the size of maybe a dime taken off of my scapula last summer? The worst part for me was not being able to swim for two weeks. They closed it with a single running stitch, which I actually had my husband remove, so I could leave two days earlier to go to my sister’s. We consulted with my cousin who is a derm PA and she advised not pulling the outside thread back inside as we removed it. The nerves felt a little off for a couple of weeks. The scar was slightly raised for a few months, but now a year out, it’s flush and smooth.
I had a "severely atypical" mole removed. I would ask how far they intend to 'scoop' it out. I was unprepared for what happened. Then you'll know how big the scar will be and if you want a plastic surgeon.
They mentioned stitches inside and stitches at the surface. I used the word scoop, lol. *They* used the words cut and excise.
What happened to you?!?!
I had a tiny mole appear on my upper thigh and grow pretty quickly. I was at the derm for another skin issue, but thank goodness, the derm saw the mole on my leg. I was going to bring it up but she saw it first. They did a punch biopsy at that appointment. It was sent out for review to another derm pathologist because they couldn't agree on the diagnosis. At the end they decided on severely atypical so I wouldn't have a melanoma diagnosis. She said that the treatment is the same. Mine looked very much like Michelle's picture. My scar is about 2.5" long and in an "S" shape so that they could close the skin. I don't remember the depth but it was in the range that Michelle mentioned. After the numbing wore off, it was very painful. They offered me pain meds but I said I didn't need it. lol I also didn't listen about taking it easy and ended up with massive bruising all over my thigh. The scar has faded but you can still see it. I've worked hard to fill in some of the "flesh" but I still have a divot in my thigh.
They mentioned stitches inside and stitches at the surface. I used the word scoop, lol. *They* used the words cut and excise.
What happened to you?!?!
I had a tiny mole appear on my upper thigh and grow pretty quickly. I was at the derm for another skin issue, but thank goodness, the derm saw the mole on my leg. I was going to bring it up but she saw it first. They did a punch biopsy at that appointment. It was sent out for review to another derm pathologist because they couldn't agree on the diagnosis. At the end they decided on severely atypical so I wouldn't have a melanoma diagnosis. She said that the treatment is the same. Mine looked very much like Michelle's picture. My scar is about 2.5" long and in an "S" shape so that they could close the skin. I don't remember the depth but it was in the range that Michelle mentioned. After the numbing wore off, it was very painful. They offered me pain meds but I said I didn't need it. lol I also didn't listen about taking it easy and ended up with massive bruising all over my thigh. The scar has faded but you can still see it. I've worked hard to fill in some of the "flesh" but I still have a divot in my thigh.
I googled punch biopsy and that looks just like what mine looked like. They went all the way into the yellow bubbly part though. That is the gnarly bit of the pic i have of the open wound.
ETA - based on my ruler, I am not sure they have punches as big as my melanoma. It was about 1.25-1.5 cm and the largest punch I could find was 8mm. But the wound and technique looked/look very much the same.
Post by gibbinator on Jul 16, 2021 19:56:28 GMT -5
I had one removed from my forehead a few years ago. It took all of 5 minutes. Dr numbed my head, cut it off, put in a couple stitches and a band-aid. Had to have the stitches out 10 days later. There was a minor white scar visible for a couple years but I can't see it anymore.
Post by JayhawkGirl on Jul 16, 2021 20:57:33 GMT -5
I had a couple on my forearm two summers ago. I liked the self adhesive wrap to cover them as they healed. I have scars but they don’t bother me. One was where my wrist moves up so those stitches got bothersome after several days. I had to keep it Vaselined.
I've had about 10 removed, most a little bigger than pencil erasers and one about the size of a dime. The only time they ever gave me stitches was for the one on my outer labia. I don't know how big that one was... didn't even know I had it until H said something about it, lol.
It healed better than the others because of the stitches I think. All the others left scars bigger than the moles. They're fading over time, though. I haven't had to have anything taken off my face so I haven't bothered with going through a plastic surgeon. They just use a local anesthetic and slice them out. The tugging is the weirdest feeling 😳
Both my SIL and I have had this done and had similar experiences/scars after. The procedure itself is NBD, but they have to get to "clean" edges, so they may take quite a bit around the mole. I was kind of surprised at the ... haphazardness? ... of the stitching afterwards. I've had stitches multiple times and comparatively, these were very large stitches and solely to get wound edges together, not with any regard to scarring. I have a Frankenstein-esque scar from it, you can still see where individual stitches were. I thought my experience might be a one-off, but SIL just had hers done and it was very similar.
Maybe it's the nature of the removal or something, but if I have to do it again for anything but a very small one, I will do what others have suggested and consider go to a plastic surgeon for the removal procedure.
Post by curbsideprophet on Jul 17, 2021 9:02:34 GMT -5
I just went through this. I had internal stitches as well as seven stitches on the outside. They put a pressure bandage on it and I was instructed to leave it on for 24 hours. Then gently clean the area with soap and water every day. Cover with Vaseline and a bandage until the stitches were removed.
I was told to take it easy for about two weeks. Since it was on my upper back they said to leave the stitches in for 12-14 days. I made my appt for removal at 12 days post surgery and it was fine.
The area did bruise a little and it was painful at times but I never felt the need to take pain meds. Overall less itchy than after the initial biopsy.
They should send what they remove to be tested to make sure the margins are clear.
Post by redheadbaker on Jul 17, 2021 10:14:59 GMT -5
I had one removed from my lower back about 10 years ago. It was very simple, done in the dermatologist's office with local anthesia. No issues afterwards.
I had a tiny mole appear on my upper thigh and grow pretty quickly. I was at the derm for another skin issue, but thank goodness, the derm saw the mole on my leg. I was going to bring it up but she saw it first. They did a punch biopsy at that appointment. It was sent out for review to another derm pathologist because they couldn't agree on the diagnosis. At the end they decided on severely atypical so I wouldn't have a melanoma diagnosis. She said that the treatment is the same. Mine looked very much like Michelle's picture. My scar is about 2.5" long and in an "S" shape so that they could close the skin. I don't remember the depth but it was in the range that Michelle mentioned. After the numbing wore off, it was very painful. They offered me pain meds but I said I didn't need it. lol I also didn't listen about taking it easy and ended up with massive bruising all over my thigh. The scar has faded but you can still see it. I've worked hard to fill in some of the "flesh" but I still have a divot in my thigh.
I googled punch biopsy and that looks just like what mine looked like. They went all the way into the yellow bubbly part though. That is the gnarly bit of the pic i have of the open wound.
ETA - based on my ruler, I am not sure they have punches as big as my melanoma. It was about 1.25-1.5 cm and the largest punch I could find was 8mm. But the wound and technique looked/look very much the same.
Yeah- that mole was tiny. I think they did the punch biopsy initially because they weren't sure. I forgot when I posted yesterday that the 2nd removal also had to go around the margins created by the punch biopsy and also deep enough to make sure that they could get clean margins in that direction too.
I wasn’t concerned at all til I started reading these things about popping stitches and yellow bubbly things and nerve pain! 😳
More than anything I’m afraid they will send it to pathology again who will say it is melanoma after all.
Thanks for sharing.
I understand. I had the same fear. It took much longer for the biopsy of that mole to come back compared to others I had done so I knew this was different. I knew it was a real possibility and that did not help my medical anxiety! I think that's why they took such a large excision. They wanted to be sure that they got clean margins. If it is a melanoma, now is the time to figure that out because it is so treatable. Big hugs....
My husband has had these. They numb it pretty well, he said the worst part was getting the outer stitches removed. Luckily he didn’t have any side effects like muscle or nerve pains. They do scar, it kind of reminds me of how my thyroid scar is healing. Always wear sunscreen on the healed scar, keep it covered while it’s healing. There are cosmetic ways to help a scar with the derm or medical esthetician if a plastic surgeon isn’t an option now. It won’t heal perfectly it it can be minimized. But most importantly, the dangerous cells are gone and you can stay safe! Never ever be shy about going in to ask about a new spot if you are worried, even if it’s outside your annual (or bi annual or whatever) skin checks! The derms are more than happy to prevent and check to be sure!
I wasn’t concerned at all til I started reading these things about popping stitches and yellow bubbly things and nerve pain! 😳
More than anything I’m afraid they will send it to pathology again who will say it is melanoma after all.
Thanks for sharing.
I understand. I had the same fear. It took much longer for the biopsy of that mole to come back compared to others I had done so I knew this was different. I knew it was a real possibility and that did not help my medical anxiety! I think that's why they took such a large excision. They wanted to be sure that they got clean margins. If it is a melanoma, now is the time to figure that out because it is so treatable. Big hugs....
you understand my medical anxiety really well and I appreciate it. The dentist is the only one I have true ongoing issues with, but it amps up when it comes to results and waiting / csncer.
I understand. I had the same fear. It took much longer for the biopsy of that mole to come back compared to others I had done so I knew this was different. I knew it was a real possibility and that did not help my medical anxiety! I think that's why they took such a large excision. They wanted to be sure that they got clean margins. If it is a melanoma, now is the time to figure that out because it is so treatable. Big hugs....
you understand my medical anxiety really well and I appreciate it. The dentist is the only one I have true ongoing issues with, but it amps up when it comes to results and waiting / csncer.
I really, really do. In college I finally found a dentist who believed that I felt pain when none had before. So I learned to trust him but I still had *massive* anxiety before visits. One time I left my keys IN my car door because I was so anxious. Thankfully it was Boulder so someone brought my keys to the dentist's office. My crunchy Boulder dentist that did guided meditation, used arnica and Rescue Remedy said "Do you want some Valium for your next visit?"
Can you ask to be put on a cancellation list in hopes of possibly shortening the wait?
Post by estrellita on Jul 17, 2021 15:56:57 GMT -5
I've had 2 removed. One on my neck and one on my back. The one on my back needed further removal due to it being moderately dysplastic. Everything came back just fine. The recovery was ok. I had to clean it and keep it covered and the bandages left more painful marks, so that's something to watch out for. I do have a scar, but luckily it's in a place no one can see. It's gotten better over time but definitely still there. Mine was kind of a football shape, then stitched back together. I got the stitches removed a few weeks after and didn't have to do anything after.
It wasn't fun exactly, but much preferred to the alternative! Hope your results are just fine!