“My mole sample was sent to another lab. Should I be concerned?”
I had a mole which was removed from my leg and sent across for testing. The lab has sent the sample to another laboratory for a second opinion. i Know it's out of my hands, but should I be worried?
9 Answers
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.
Biopsy cases are sent out for second opinion in two scenarios:
1. A rare or unusual finding
2. Challenging or borderline cases
In both situations the case is usually sent to a regional expert. Although it can provoke anxiety, it is reassuring that the doctor reading the biopsy is taking time to get an expert opinion.
1. A rare or unusual finding
2. Challenging or borderline cases
In both situations the case is usually sent to a regional expert. Although it can provoke anxiety, it is reassuring that the doctor reading the biopsy is taking time to get an expert opinion.
Not yet. Let’s wait for the results. Melanocytic lesions may be difficult, and it is a good practice to get a second opinion from subspecialist in a difficult case. At least it looks like you will get that right diagnosis.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Sending samples out for a second opinion doesn't necessarily mean you are going to get a bad diagnosis. The first lab recognized that they were unsure of how to diagnose your case or wanted confirmation on what they thought and sent it to a lab that they believe had more expertise in the field. It may take a little longer to get the diagnosis to you, but you should feel confident that whatever diagnosis you receive will be correct which will enable you to receive appropriate treatment.
RB Thomas, MD
RB Thomas, MD
Sometimes pathologists like to send certain types of specimens off to other pathologists with specialty training on that particular tissue type. it may be their routine practice. A second opinion could also mean that there is some concern about the lesion. Don’t worry just yet! Wait for the results.
Asking for a second opinion is always a good idea, particularly when you are dealing with a pigmented lesion.
Sandra L. Aponte
Pathologist
Sure you should be worried; that means they're not good at looking at skins or that means it's a difficult case or that means it's a problem case. But either way, it's a good idea that they sent it out. You have to always have a dermatopathologist looking at your skin biopsies and always get a second opinion.
If your mole was sent to another lab for second opinion, it does not mean it is necessarily a bad diagnosis. It only means that your pathologist was possibly concerned about something and either wants to make sure that he or she is not overdiagnosing something that is benign but looks little different or they want to make sure that it is something really to worry about and get an accurate diagnosis from an expert. Usually, cases like yours (mole) are sent by general pathologists to dermatopathologists (expert in skin pathology including moles) for second opinion for borderline cases and the treatment can differ based on the diagnosis. The major categories of diagnosis are benign moles (no further treatment), atypical moles (treatment depends on degree of atypia and margins), melanoma in situ (usually wide excision) and melanoma (depends on the stage).
Pathological examination of moles are sometimes difficult, particularly in moles that have borderline changes. It is always advisable to have a second/expert opinion to rule out benign versus malignant lesion.
