Dysplastic
Nevus
Also known as: Mole
What is
it?
A
dysplastic nevus is growth or mark on the skin, called
a mole, that is larger than normal. Also called an
atypical mole. The plural of nevus is nevi.
Who gets
it?
Most people
have moles. Anyone with a mole can have a dysplastic
nevus.
What
causes it?
The growth
of moles is stimulated by sunlight. The tendency to
have dysplastic nevi can be inherited.
What are
the symptoms?
A
dysplastic nevus will usually have an irregular shape
or border, and vary in color from tan to brown. In
most cases, a dysplastic nevus is not a skin cancer
(malignant melanoma). However, people with a few
dysplastic nevi have an increased risk of developing
malignant melanoma. This risk increases if anyone in
the person’s immediate family has malignant melanoma.
How is it
diagnosed?
A
dysplastic nevus is diagnosed by appearance. Your
doctor will perform a complete skin exam, measuring
any larger moles and noting their location and
appearance so they can be monitored for any changes.
He or she will want to know if you or your immediate
family have a history of melanoma. Your doctor may
want to take a small sample of a nevus, called a
biopsy, for study under a microscope to rule out the
possibility of melanoma.
What is
the treatment?
In most
cases, your doctor will monitor any dysplastic nevi
during your regular skin exams. A dysplastic nevus is
removed only if there are signs of melanoma.
Self-care
tips
Everyone
should have a yearly skin exam by a dermatologist. Try
to avoid sun exposure during peak hours. If you must
spend time in the sun, make sure you are well
protected with a sunscreen of at least an SPF15, a
hat, and protective clothing. Know how to identify
suspicious-looking moles and have them checked as
quickly as possible.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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