Can someone help me understand this pathology report?

[April2]

Can someone help me understand this pathology report from biopsy of moles?  Thanks!

First mole:
1.)  Given the mild to moderate cytologic atypia, the lnetiginous features, the involvement of the lateral surgical margin, conservative re--excision with histopathologic confirmation of complete removal would be prudent and is recommended.

Second mole;
2.)  Given  the compound nature of the melanocytic process, moderate atypia, the large size of the lesion, involvement of the lateral surgical margins, conservative re-excision with histopathologic confirmation of complete removal is indicated and so recommended.

[April2]

Thank you so much for your help! I had the bigger one removed last week as it's on my back and can't see it and seemed a bit worse, but I wanted to wait on the other one as it's smaller and doesn't seem as bad but the dermatologist wanted to remove both. I know he's just being cautious but I was just reluctant if it's not likely to ever get cancerous as this one would be more noticable.
I will think on this some more and check out that website you offered. Thanks again!

[jemma116]

The paragraph below explains what atypia and melanocytic means.

An atypical or dysplastic (abnormal, irregular) mole or lesion are also known as atypical melanocytic hyperplasia, atypical mole, or dysplastic mole. The majority of these moles or lesions are benign (non cancerous). Some have a significant risk of actually being a melanoma or developing into melanoma. This is determined by physical examination or a biopsy by a physician.

[jemma116]

Basically what the report has come up with is that you have atypical moles and these are more likely than ordinary moles to develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. It is worth noting that the vast majority of atypical moles will never become malignant.  Numerous studies that have been carried out with regard to moles indicate that about half of melanomas arise from atypical moles.

If you go on the web site of simonmadorskymd.com and press on the sub title Atypical Melanocytic Lesion / Atypical Mole / Dysplastic Mole there is a full explanation with regard to the terminology that is used in your report.

Your report recommends removal of both of the moles, as you have probably gathered because of the risk that they may become malignant.

You should be talking with and asking your doctor or consultant who referred you for the biopsy these questions, so that they can explain what the report means and how long you have to wait to have the moles removed, if you agree on the procedure.

Best wishes.