“Why do they send a mole biopsy sample for second opinion?”
I was recently recommended a second opinion for my mole biopsy sample. Why did they do this? Could they be suspecting a cancer?
6 Answers
Candido Otero
Pathologist
There are many reasons for a second opinion of your mole biopsy. A second opinion can help shed light on different treatment options, clinical trials that may be good fit, or they may make you feel more at ease by confirming your diagnosis and the initial treatment plan. Thank you.
Not necessary, some lesions are difficult to interpret and a second opinion is often requested from experts in the field.
Depending on your age, the site of the body affected, and what the clinical findings were, there are times when the pathology may not be straight forward, and thus an expert on consultation opinion would be sought to try and resolve the question. It does not mean it is malignant or a cancer, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis that may have requirements for further specialized treatment.
Interpretation of “moles” nevomelanocytic lesions can be difficult. Second opinion is always a great idea. Having said that, if the original pathologist asked for a second opinion, the lesion is most likely not straightforward malignant melanoma or benign nevus. Spectrum of atypical nevomelanocytic lesions exist. Carcinoma is a malignant neoplasms of epithelial origin, melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of melanocytes.
Jeff Sims
Pathologist
Usually, when a biopsy is sent for a second opinion, it is being sent to a specialist. In your case, the specialist would be a dermatopathologist who specializes in skin diseases. It is possible that cancer is one of the diagnoses being considered, but it could be a number of benign processes as well. Sorry I can't be more specific, but it's really not possible without more information. Best wishes.
