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I recently had a scrape biopsy on a back mole that showed 0.2mm superficial spreading and Clark level II. After full excision, it came back as .35mm but also showed this: vertical growth stage present (early). I have mo mitosis, no ulceration, and brisk lymphocytes. Has anyone else ever had "early" vertical growth stage and, if so, what does "early" actually mean? I feel like with everything I know know, I should not be concerned about chances for spreading. Thanks.
True statement.... about not being unduly worried, but mel is sneaky and tends to make it up its own rules.... but you have an exellent prognosis....
"Early" vertical growth phrase means that the tumor just began the phase where it penetrates down through the outer layer of skin into the sub-surface epidermal layer of skin and, eventually if not excised, into the dermis -- where the lymphatic system and blood cirulcation system are located (vessels for metatases).....
With no mitosis, you are Stage IA (97.3 % survival at 10 years).... With melanoma, one can never say "never" but odds are good that you will not have to deal with this again....
However, you still need to stay on top of the monthly full body self-skin checks, and keep the area between your primary and the regional lymph node basin(s) -- the back may drain to more than one node basin -- under close, monthly surveillance...
Folks who have had melanoma once have about a 10% chance of a second primary .....
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