I got a shave biopsy for melanoma in situ. Did the cancer cells get into my bloodstream?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a question about the biopsy that I had done. It was a shave biopsy, and it came back as melanoma in situ. I got a wide excision done, and it looks like there is still some of this mole left that was missed by the shave. If there was still melanoma cells in this left over part of the mole, is there any way it somehow got into my bloodstream, especially right after the biopsy was performed and it was initially bleeding? I am very worried and nervous that the previously contained melanoma is now traveling throughout my body.

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and concern.

Melanoma is a malignancy of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), located predominantly in the skin. The careful examination of lymph nodes can be determined by the staging of melanoma and the metastasis, that is, spread to other body parts. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is generally indicated for pathologic staging of the regional nodal involvement. Baseline laboratory studies, for example, lactate dehydrogenase level, liver function tests, chemistry panel, CBC (complete blood count), chest radiography, and other imaging studies can determine the metastasis. With excision biopsy, the spill of melanoma cells to systems are very rare. In your case, there is nothing to worry if there are no sign and symptoms of metastasis.

Thank you.