question on biopsies

feardalgo · New User Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

I recently had a shave biopsy done on a mole. The report came back benign.

Because the entire thing wasn't removed, it's possible the lesion will return though.

My question is: I feel if the mole had been left alone, it may have been benign for many many years and never turned atypical or malignant. But now I feel as though because the mole has been shaved, it will somehow disrupt the cells, forcing them to turn atypical as it grows back and ultimately trigger malignancy.

Is this even possible?

ralph · New User Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Posts: 3

This is perhaps a terrible question for such a serious problem, but this is the only place I can ask it. A relative of mine, a 22 year old female, claimed to have been diagnosed with melanoma in October, and the series of claims that have taken place since have led all her relatives to doubt her (as the claims and actions do not coincide with our own experiences with cancer).

The first instance of doubt came when she claimed the biopsy wouldn't be known whether it was cancerouse for two weeks. Other friends who've had cancers have had their biopsies back in 24 hours. Is she possibly right?

She claimed to have gotten a "green card" allowing her to have medical marijuana to alleviate her nausea, yet after researching the net, I find that only 8 people have medical marijuana legally. We are a state where it is illegal--would a doctor risk his job for this?

The doctors, she claimed, didn't want to do surgery on the "baseball" sized tumor located below the skin, because they were afraid that when the tumor cells "hit air" they would metastasize and spread through the body, so they have given her radiation and chemo for the last 4 and a half months. She has had daily chemo for several weeks, supposedly, and in the meantime also flown to LA, Phoenix, Salt Lake and boise, in addition to taking care of a two year old, going to college, and running her own business. In this time, she has not visited home nor been visited by family. Can someone be so superhuman as to be able to do all this without help? Those I know who've had chemo would not have been able to.

It is terrible to doubt a person who would have such a dreadful disease, but doubt we all do as no one has seen her or a bill. Are we being terribly cold and indifferent or are we being duped?

Thank you for any reply

dizzybuff38 · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: question on biopsies

Hi my husband and I had a similar situation about 30- yrs ago with a friend my husband got involved with in a new business - guess he couldn't cut it and told us he had cancer and went off to live in Ireland. We knew nothing about cancer in those days, but it turned out it was a cop out. Sometimes I guess people can't deal with the realities of life and they "invent" cancer as a way of opting out of their responsibilities. Just be aware, as you are. I have breast cancer, and it is real and in no way a cop out, just wish I didn't have it. Take care - get some real proof, then if it is real, help her.

feardalgo · New User Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

lol, no one has any thoughts on my question? But Ralph, I wanted to respond to you. =)

It actually is quite possible that the results could take two weeks. It really depends on the lab and the office she went to. Usually though, if cancer is detected, I would think one would get a call ASAP.

The thing about not wanting to do surgery on the baseball (that sounds huge) lump because of fear of metastasis - do you mean they did not even remove the lump?

The thing about exposure to air spreading cancer, as far as I know, has been an old wives tale. I'd be surprised if any doctors worked with that theory in mind anymore.

Also, are you positive she's still being so active?

Now, I can't say myself what her real deal is, but thought with this info, maybe you could add that to the conclusion you draw.

leo · Owner Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello Feardalgo,

Shaving the mole won't change it to be more likely to get malignant. Still, if not everything was taken out, you can always go back and ask the physicians to remove the rest of it.

best regards,
Leo
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Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

feardalgo · New User Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

Hi, Leo! Thanks for the response. That is what I thought. Can I ask where you got that info though? Has this been proven?

I had heard of people having benign moles shaved, but they later grew back as melanoma. So - it is possible, I guess? But the chances are NOT increased because of a shave biopsy, right? That's what I'm concerned about.

Thanks. Smile

leo · Owner Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 1574

Hello

Not because of the biopsy...the lesions just progressed to melanoma, sometimes because the entire lesion was not taken out and left alone.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.

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