Skin check-biopsy

[Anonymous]

I went in for a yearly skin check and the doctor took a biopsy of a mole.

Should I be nervous or are biopsies fairly routine?

[Anonymous]

I think it is derm doctors’ contracts to take a chunk out of you for testing every time you are there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is derm doctors’ contracts to take a chunk out of you for testing every time you are there.

So more than likely this won't be a concern? It was an ugly looking mole.

[Anonymous]

What did they think of the mole last year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What did they think of the mole last year?

It was noticed but nothing much. This year doctor said it appeared different than the other moles on my body so they wanted it checked. I am trying not to stress.

[Anonymous]

I go every 6 months and she always takes 3 biopsies. Even when they have had changes and are concerning I got get wider margins and am fine.

[Anonymous]

They manage to take something off me at each visit. Better to be proactive. They did find skin cancer on my upper thigh and I have scar but it was not a big deal. Don't stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is derm doctors’ contracts to take a chunk out of you for testing every time you are there.

I've only had this done once, and I'm fair skinned and 50. FYI, insurance doesn't cover the biopsy.

[Anonymous]

I agree they always test something. My insurance does cover it with a copay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it is derm doctors’ contracts to take a chunk out of you for testing every time you are there.

I've only had this done once, and I'm fair skinned and 50. FYI, insurance doesn't cover the biopsy.

This must be plan-dependent. DH recently had something removed and biopsied and it was covered (maybe there was a small co-insurance amount but nothing significant).

[Anonymous]

I've had many many moles biopsied and several times needed clearer margins. Never more.
Do not stress but keep up with regular skin checks and sunscreen.

[Anonymous]

How many areas of concern are you allowed to point out during these exams?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many areas of concern are you allowed to point out during these exams?

Derms look at every area of your body. You can and should point out as many of areas of concern that you have.

[Anonymous]

I go every 6 months for skin checks too. Anything that’s serious is likely to be caught early. I spent years in Florida before sunscreen was available (I’m old) and my skin is really damaged. Of all the biopsies, only 2 were cancer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many areas of concern are you allowed to point out during these exams?

I point them all out. They don’t want to miss anything.