Moles

[Guest]

I am a 34 year old female. Almost 5 years ago I had a mold removed from near my inner knee. My dermatologist didn't expect it to be any thing to worry about but because it was itching me, he biopsied it. The path report, to his surprise, showed that it was melanoma...level IV. I went to a surgeon (who is highly knowledgable with melanoma) and he excised the area. He then sent my original path slides, etc to a world-renowned doctor for his review. He consulted with other physicians and they all concluded that the original films were NOT melanoma, but Spitz Nevi

Can spitz nevi turn into cancer?? Is it caused from sun exposure like melanoma?? Do you think I should have had another opinion?

Thanks for your response!

[Guest]

Spitz nevi are different from melanoma. The confusion comes in that under the microscope it can have some features of melanoma, but it is benign. It does not become malignant or turn into a melanoma. It is not felt to be due to sun exposure. Was the dermatopathologist Dr. Bernie Ackerman? Just a curiosity. If you do not feel confortable with the situation still, then request another consultation. There are plenty of excellent dermatopathologists. The key is the first part of the word--dermato. You do not want a regular pathologist looking at this. They do not have specialized training in the skin and make more mistakes.
[quote] I am a 34 year old female. Almost 5 years ago I had a mold removed from near my inner knee... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank you for your response. Yes, the dermatologist was Dr. Bernard Ackerman. Do you trust his knowledge?? Should I trust in his findings that it is a Spitz Nevi and not Melanoma??

Thanks again for your reply!!


[quote] Spitz nevi are different from melanoma. The confusion comes in that under the microscope it can have some features of melanoma, but it is benign... [/quote]

[Guest]

Dr. Ackerman is a reputable dermatopathologist. I trust him.
[quote] Thank you for your response. Yes, the dermatologist was Dr... [/quote]