What's up with this??!! - Cancer: Skin Message Board

irisrose · 02-23-2005, 03:51 PM

I posted a couple of weeks ago about what I thought might or might not be a mole that showed up on my toe. So, I got to the derm and asked them to remove it, not check it, remove it. They agree and numb up my toe and do whatever they're doing - removing it, I assume. Today, I took off the band aid and it's still there! They did a tiny little shave biopsy to check it. I was so mad! I called and asked it she misunderstood what I requested. I was told someone would call me back. I just got the call from the nurse and she procedes to tell me what I already know (shave biopsy) and that if it's something more, then they will need to remove more tissue. I said my whole purpose was to avoid the double visit and just get rid of this new mole on a wierd place on my body. The nurse said that they don't like to just cut out skin and tissue if it doesn't need to be removed. And that it might just be a freckle that I will have to watch. AGAIN, that was what I was trying to avoid. Just take the damned thing off so I don't have to watch it and wait till when or if it changes and then have more of a problem. I'm trying to be proactive for myself. Besides, it's my money, my body - why shouldn't I have the right to say, "cut the thing off!"? I ask if people continue to get new moles throughout their lives. She tells me no, most people no longer get new moles after the age of 40 and any new moles are suspicious. Well, I'm 42 and this is new mole, I think it's suspicious and wanted it removed. Now I have to wait for the biopsy results. If it's nothing then I'm still saddled with the responsibility of keeping a close on this suspicious mole. Exactly what I wanted to irradicate in the first place.

I'm really mad.

Thanks for listening.

seriousperson · 02-23-2005, 04:12 PM

hey iris,
You're welcome, no problem.

Let us know the results.

Belle2003 · 02-23-2005, 09:00 PM

I had something similar happen. I had a bump right next to where I had a BCC removed. I showed it to the dermatologist who said he would remove it and test it. When I got home and took off the bandage, the bump was still there. He cut something totally different off! (scar tissue) I was so upset. I had to go back and have the bump removed again. The doctor asked me to circle it so there would be no misunderstandings.

I have learned that you have to cirlce things and be quite clear as to what you want. Sometimes stated your several several times. (Doctors seems to be so busy that they don't always listen to your wishes) You even have to inspect it before you leave.

I agree that they should have taken the whole mole off or explained to you before hand so you were informed. It is like they want double the money to remove it. If it is possible, I would think about finding a more accomodating doctor for the future.

BonBe · 02-24-2005, 06:02 AM

In one way this is goodl, as you now know how to proceed when choosing a doctor. Remembering that most doctors may not quite appreciate us going into their offices with our brains loaded with important information (like shave biopsy vrs something more accurate (excisional) or even punch biopsy. I am 54 and new moles (or dark freckles) appear in the multiples. I had a major MM removed (undergoing treatment now for ever) and am sheduled for two more NEW MOLES to be removed. correction one new mole, and one pink older mole.

It was my understanding that a shave biopsy, meant they shave just the top off and not the part that extends into the skin. Or maybe I am thinking of that surgery called MOHS where they remove a thin slice, and check it, and keep on removing thing slices until clear margins are found.

Either way, I would not wish to have either of them performed, on a suspected MM I rather the full excision one as it removes the offending mole and surrounding tissue for clear margins. If it comes back MM then a WLE is performed. Perhaps I am incorrect, but I do know with all I have read, I would never have a shave done, nor would they now I am in the MM system....but still if suspicious moles are found, now you know what to ask up front before you actually get in there and have the injections to numb (freeze) the site. And the good thing is you are having it dealt with.

Bonnie

irisrose · 02-24-2005, 09:40 AM

Thanks all! I have already begun a search for a better derm. office. Mostly for my dh. He has many, many moles and several that have been excised have been atypical. But, I don't believe this particular derm assistant is thorough enough. Especially, not for him. I was angry because I asked specifically and she agreed then did a tiny shave biopsy instead. Don't agree to what I'm asking for and then do another, as if her opinion supercedes all else. That kind of arrogance is dangerous in medicine, in any field. You know, I think I would be better off having mole removal with my PCP. They know my sister had melanoma and never question me when I have gone in. This is the first time I decided to go to my dh's derm instead. I should have just gone to my PCP and she would have just cut it out no questions asked.

Thanks again! I was just really frustrated.