My daughter is 13 yrs old and she's had many freckles on various parts of her body over the years. I was always told "we'll keep an eye on those freckles" Well, over the past 3 years they've grown and some of them gradually have become raised and formed into moles. She recently has had some discomfort with some of them and I made an appointment with a dermatologist to have them looked at again. They removed 9 of them and sent 8 of them off for a biopsy and said "we'll see her back in 3 months" I was content with that and put it out of my head until I got the dreaded call today. Apparently one of her biopsy results came back as a high grade. The woman would not elaborate on the diagonosis only instructed me to bring her back as soon as possible for an excision. So, we have an appointment in a couple of days. We are talking about a blonde hair, blue eyed fair complected child who has ALWAYS been lubed up with sun block anytime she was out in the sun. She has gotten quite tan the past couple of years over the summertime, but again, that was with sunblock. I'm sure she has managed to sneak past me a few times and gone swimming in the pool without it, but for the most part, I am certain her skin has been protected over the years. I am wondering what "high grade" means as far as her biopsy results. I am assuming it is the highest level before turning into cancer. Do I have to worry about it coming back? Do I need to worry everytime I see a freckle or mole pop up? What scared me the most is trying to research it and see the links to leukemia and hodgkins disease and other cancerous conditions secondary to the skin cancer. I am on the verge of a panic and I'm terrified I will have tunnel vision at the doctor's office and forget to ask him all the questions I have. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!Nancy
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High grade moles?
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I'm not quite sure what high grade means. I'm guessing the high grade means that it's the closest to cancer, but yet not cancer. It might have had the potential to turn into cancer. Even though she's been lubed up with sunscreen doesn't always mean full protection from the sun. It's good that you do put it on her. A tan is bad no matter what, even if it came from the use of sunscreen. I'd try not to panic and worry too much, though I'm sure it's hard not too. Luckily you got into the doctor's office when you noticed a change. It's rare for children to get skin cancer. Anyways it sounds as if she needs to go back in and have that mole removed because if it's not then it could turn into cancer. I'm not a doctor though. Sorry I don't have much help to offer you.
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If she's only 13 and has this problem, then she's always going to be "on guard" for any skin changes. The key is to catch it all early and have regular physical check up especially with a dermatologist.