Shave vs punch biopsy

I have had about a dozen biopsies.

My Mayo dermatologist always tells me the type of biopsy method he is doing based on the size and type of tissue he is taking the biopsy. So I have both.

Asked your dermatologist the pros and cons of both. I am just luck to have Mayo as my care giver and I get the explanation of type biopsy being taken and why.

I recently had a very large area on my back that I could never see. He was wanted to do all the area thus said to me I am doing a shave biopsy this time and as I posted why that type.

Thanks for your reply!

@tillymack
If you only had a shave biopsy, it sounds like you need a full excision of the abnormal mole/growth. It is important to follow up with your dermatologist as soon as possible.

A few years ago, I had a melanoma on my arm removed. My insurance approved it but did not pay for the incision to be closed. $800.
What to do about cost when removal is necessary?

I think sometimes the doctor or surgeon will contact your insurance company on your behalf when such situations occur.

@savvyme1
Not sure how old you are but Medicare covers surgery to remove skin cancers.

You can always challenge why your insurance company did not pay. If they approved the surgery they know there are costs fo close the incsion.

Now if insurance refuses try to contact the insurance department of your medical provider. Many times they will reduce the costs and or set up payment plan.

Does your insurance company had what the call assignments or approved charged for medical treatments. Even is don't cover something usually have a approved costs medical provider can charge. Also did your medical provider accept assignments from your insurance company. If so they should have provided you the insurance costs.

If me would first file appeal with insurance company to cover the charge as for any surgery there will be incision closing costs. Second did the insurance company advise the medical facility prior to surgery they would not cover incision closing? If you were not told would not be covered prior by your insurance company you have a good appeal.

If all fails contact the medical provider's insurance deparment and advise your insurance did cover the procedure and you were told it did to then find out after surgery done that insurance did not cover the inscision closing.
Good Luck

Are alternative procedures better?
(Mohs removal layer by layer removal--examined by microscope during surgery and repeat another layer until clean or cancer-free!? ..effective? ..or not aggressive enough?)
Is this procedure have pros & cons?
Where can I learn more about these procedures?
Which is best?
Thanks for any assistance!

(..I hope this makes some sense since as I am very new to melanoma or other related lessions)

@swanpondside62 - these are very good questions have you been diagnosed with melanoma? Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique primarily used for skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It involves removing thin layers of skin containing the tumor, examining each layer under a microscope during the procedure, and repeating until no cancer cells remain. This allows precise removal of cancerous tissue while sparing healthy skin. For melanoma, its use is more limited but has gained traction for specific cases, particularly melanoma in situ (MIS, stage 0) or thin melanomas (Breslow depth < 0.8 mm), often in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, scalp, or neck. Where is the lesion located? Since there are issues related to the effectiveness and location of the lesion. Would you like more information regarding the actual procedures their application and effectiveness?

I find out tomorrow if this is Melanoma and I fear it's taken hold..

I first noticed this months back and I thought it was just a scar because I shaved over it..
..and my CPAP/NIVV mask straps ride over the lesion!
So I never put this together.. that this could be Melanoma..
No history of Melanoma in my family..
Mother died of breast cancer when she was 81.. this the only cancer in my immediate family..
Cousin, 79, died of Pancreatic Cancer two years ago! Huge Catholic family..

Thanks for the info!

@swanpondside62 - I hear how scary this uncertainty is, especially with the possibility of melanoma and the weight of your family’s cancer history. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially since you initially thought it was just a scar and didn’t connect the dots. You’ve taken a big step by getting it checked, and that shows strength. Waiting for results is tough—can you tell me how you’re coping with the anxiety right now? Maybe we can explore some ways to help you feel a bit more grounded while you wait.