Punch biopsy for moles, anyone?

bamirg04

So it's been awhile since I've posted life's been a tad busy. I have a few questions if anyone has advice that would be awesome!

So after the babies were born the OB resident noticed some moles on my stomach and told me I should have them looked at. So I finally went in for my appointment today. Now I know I have a TON of moles. I'm talking over 100. Which is what the doc said today. He said I have one that he doesn't like the way it looks and said that since I have more than 50 I'm at increased risk for melanoma. Ugh!

He said to come in and have a punch biopsy done. Which I scheduled it on Friday, which was their first available appointment. I always have bad post partum anxiety and this has sent it through the freaking roof! My mind keeps wandering to the worst case scenario. The mind is a powerful thing!

Sorry for the rant and long post but has anyone else had this done? Anyone else with over 100 moles?!?

Edit: I should add that with each pregnancy I get more moles and some change. Doc said that was normal due to the hormones in pregnancy. Anyone else?

tbmadeamistake

I don't think I've ever had a punch biopsy done, but I have had moles removed before.  It's not a big deal, and then they get sent off for the analysis.  All I can say is try not to worry until they give you something to worry about, but I know (with PPD/A myself) that is much easier said than done.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

bamirg04

Thanks so much!

My husband keeps saying the same thing but it's hard since I have anxiety.

lest12

I had this done last summer. It was right after a chemical pregnancy so I was feeling very depressed/anxious/crazy (more than usual, my anxiety is always idling on the high side anyway). I remember sobbing hysterically in the chair because, you know, everything. They did the punch biopsy on me because it looked like here was bleeding underneath the mole so they wanted to get the extra tissue. It ended up just being a weird blood vessel flare-up, but I was scared, too. I had a few stitches that I had to have removed and now have a tiny scar (boo). Good luck. Results come back fast so try to stay calm and distracted (like lilygrace said, easier said than done, I know). I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

bamirg04

Thank you @lest12‌. They said 3 stitches which is nothing. I can deal with a small scar. It will be mini compared to the c sec scar.

lest12

Ain't that the truth! Mine is front and center on my chest though, only reason it bothers me.

curlylocks3

I've had a couple of them. I don't recall any real pain from them but I do not recommend watching the actual biopsy.

stephpaez

I worked with a dermatologist for years before becoming a SAHM, a punch biopsy is really no big deal. Typically the doc decides on having it biopsied this way so if it does come back atypical, it is usually taken care of by the biopsy. Just remember, moles change a lot during a pregnancy so one that looked normal before can look very atypical after.
I think waiting until Friday is conetlt fine, I'm sure your doc would have done the biopsy that same day if he was convinced it was melanoma

Hope this helps a little

ETA because I just forgot how to spell

bamirg04

Oh thank you @stephpaez‌! I'm so glad you were able to give your medical knowledge!! You've helped ease my anxiety (slightly) but enough to sleep. ;-)

ADalesa29

I have well over 100 moles too. I've had 5-6 punch biopsies and all but one came back benign. They really don't hurt at all during since you're numbed up but depending on the location can be slightly sore for a few days after.

The one that was malignant was a basal cell and I just had to put some cream on it for a few weeks which wasn't fun but in the long run was no big deal - it went away and I'm fine now.

Good luck! T&Ps that yours goes smoothly:-)