Anyone familiar with pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT)?

Posted by kneenee @kneenee, Feb 7 10:34am

No search found. I may have this on left shin after 10 years ago biopsy done revealing negative for melanoma, DX="Lentigo" which is not serious and my dermatologistsaid another word for like a freckle. Lately the spot grew so another biopsy showed may be a hemangioma but cannot rule out PHAT. Pathologist recommends correlation with clinical findings and imaging studies. I want to find doctor with experience in this realm.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

@kneenee; you’re correct that a finding of PHAT is different from melanoma or a lipoma. Once an actual diagnosis is made, the most appropriate medical provider to remove this would likely be an orthopedic oncologist. Do you know if your treating provider can provide a referral?

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Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3

@kneenee; you’re correct that a finding of PHAT is different from melanoma or a lipoma. Once an actual diagnosis is made, the most appropriate medical provider to remove this would likely be an orthopedic oncologist. Do you know if your treating provider can provide a referral?

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@grammato3 ... yes seeing Oncology surgeon Portland ME mid March. If he's not familiar enough I may go to Dana-Farber Boston. My dermatologist wanted to do "punch biopsy," but pathology report suggested imaging and I'm hoping that can tell if I need to be cut again or not! It is rare condition. This type of tumor can grow quickly I've read. Pathologist also stated it could be hemangioma which I think is not serious ...?

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Profile picture for kneenee @kneenee

@grammato3 ... yes seeing Oncology surgeon Portland ME mid March. If he's not familiar enough I may go to Dana-Farber Boston. My dermatologist wanted to do "punch biopsy," but pathology report suggested imaging and I'm hoping that can tell if I need to be cut again or not! It is rare condition. This type of tumor can grow quickly I've read. Pathologist also stated it could be hemangioma which I think is not serious ...?

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@kneenee: It sounds like you're taking the necessary and proactive steps. From what I understand, the two conditions are very difficult to differentiate and while neither tends to metastasize it's important to clearly identify as treatment - such as excision to prevent recurrence - depends on the pathology which imaging such as MRI may assist.

You'll undoubtedly have a lot of appointments coming up but if you could keep me posted on the final results, I'd appreciate it. Many people check on Connect and your experience could help others. Best of luck to you!

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What's Connect?
Ok punch biopsy and MRI done but still no conclusive DX... Suggest incision...but off leg with splinter and knee scooter...I can't do crutches. Did knee scooter for right ankle microfracture 11 years ago for 6 weeks. But now...NO don't want. No exercise 3 weeks minimum. Omg ... too many issues so I asked to watch. Surgeon said see me in 2 or 3 months and perhaps CT scan.
been dealing with so much lately healthwise. shin biopsies, now want to do surgery where off leg 10 days. I don't want it asked to wait, so visit oncology surgeon 2, 3 months, CT scan. MRI and scrape biopsy and punch biopsy can't totally dx it. So, I say let's watch. DAmn. Then leaving gym Sat after Sr. Pilates class, last step down, same leg calf, OUCH, stabbing pain...think perhaps calf tightened at class and I pulled it? Seeing PCP Thursday, bit better, but wtf? New Chiropractor last week, did that do it? seeing her tomorrow, will ask her, but she's a holistic chiro, no insurance. Wake up w/headache every day, yes grind and have new nightguard, but same happened w/old nightguard last few months too. Avoiding left rotator cuff surgery too, still dealing with new right knee feeling stiff, and the hip burser and the ankle pains when waking. I could go on, but won't.
Sorry just filling in why!

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Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3

@kneenee: It sounds like you're taking the necessary and proactive steps. From what I understand, the two conditions are very difficult to differentiate and while neither tends to metastasize it's important to clearly identify as treatment - such as excision to prevent recurrence - depends on the pathology which imaging such as MRI may assist.

You'll undoubtedly have a lot of appointments coming up but if you could keep me posted on the final results, I'd appreciate it. Many people check on Connect and your experience could help others. Best of luck to you!

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@grammato3
Susan see my reply as you asked for update?

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Profile picture for kneenee @kneenee

@grammato3
Susan see my reply as you asked for update?

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@kneenee: Yes, thank you! The @grammato3 ought to let me know I’ve gotten a response so I appreciate it.

You have certainly had a lot going on - now and in the past - so I hear why you feel wary of more invasive procedures right now. On a personal note, I’ve also recently learned I have a full thickness rotator cuff tear but I have a number of other medical issues that unfortunately need to be addressed first it’s like take a number and wait in line!

I hope you’re spared of additional discomfort in the interim and are eventually able to get a more definitive diagnosis. Are you feeling frustrated?

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Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3

@kneenee: Yes, thank you! The @grammato3 ought to let me know I’ve gotten a response so I appreciate it.

You have certainly had a lot going on - now and in the past - so I hear why you feel wary of more invasive procedures right now. On a personal note, I’ve also recently learned I have a full thickness rotator cuff tear but I have a number of other medical issues that unfortunately need to be addressed first it’s like take a number and wait in line!

I hope you’re spared of additional discomfort in the interim and are eventually able to get a more definitive diagnosis. Are you feeling frustrated?

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@grammato3
Absolutely stressed 😫 adding to my chakra imbalance. No insurance holistic chiropractor, now looking into life coach w reiki and maybe noninsurance yogi physical therapist. HELP! $$$ Recently changed medicare to Medigap supplement to save on co-pays but still much not covered. What t * todo? In my prayers gramma23!

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Profile picture for kneenee @kneenee

@grammato3
Absolutely stressed 😫 adding to my chakra imbalance. No insurance holistic chiropractor, now looking into life coach w reiki and maybe noninsurance yogi physical therapist. HELP! $$$ Recently changed medicare to Medigap supplement to save on co-pays but still much not covered. What t * todo? In my prayers gramma23!

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@kneenee May you find the balance you're seeking (with $$$ to help!) BTW, the Connect I'd been referring to a few posts back is right here: Mayo Clinic Connect. Best news of all it's free!

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Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3

@kneenee May you find the balance you're seeking (with $$$ to help!) BTW, the Connect I'd been referring to a few posts back is right here: Mayo Clinic Connect. Best news of all it's free!

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@grammato3
Here where we're commenting right?

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Profile picture for kneenee @kneenee

@grammato3
Here where we're commenting right?

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@kneenee Yes, this forum, chat, site is called Mayo Clinic Connect.

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