NEVI, DYSPLASTIC

(Moles, Atypical)

 Basic information

description

Dysplastic nevi are moles that are atypical. This means they do not have the appearance of common moles. Nevi is another word for moles. Dysplastic nevi can increase the risk for melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. A large number of dysplastic nevi increases the melanoma risk. The melanoma risk is even higher for a person with dysplastic nevi along with a family history of melanoma. This is called either familial atypical mole/ melanoma (FAMM) or dysplastic nevus syndrome.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Dysplastic nevi begin to appear at puberty.
• Borders are irregular and ill defined.
• Have both flat and elevated areas.
• Are larger than common moles.
• Color may range from tan to dark brown or have other various shades of color within them.
• They can appear anywhere on the body, but most often are found on the back, chest, buttocks, breast, and scalp. They are found in sun-exposed as well as sun-protected areas.
• A person may have one (nevus), or a few, or more than 100 dysplastic nevi. (An average person with common moles has 15 to 20.)

causes

Dysplastic nevi are acquired. A person is not born with them. The exact cause is unknown. Sunlight damage may play a part, but is not always a factor. Dysplastic nevi can appear on the buttocks and female breasts, which are generally covered. The tendency to develop dysplastic nevi does run in families.

risk increases with

Family history of dysplastic nevi or melanoma.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• There are no specific preventive measures.
• Routine use of sunscreens may help reduce risks. Use one with an SPF of 15 to 30 or higher and that protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation. Be sure to read label on how to apply. Avoid tanning beds.
• If you have a family history of dysplastic nevi or skin cancer, get regular medical skin exams to detect any new moles or changes in existing ones. Exams may be as often as every 3 months for high-risk persons.
• Perform routine skin self-exams to check for any changes in skin appearance. Have a family member help check the areas of your body that you cannot see.

expected outcomes

There is little risk for most people of developing melanoma. For those few at risk, prompt diagnosis and treatment, if needed, can help reduce their risk.

possible complications

Melanoma may develop in some cases.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the skin. A biopsy may be done of a nevus (single mole) if skin cancer is suspected. Biopsy involves removing all or a portion of a nevus for viewing under a microscope. If the biopsy shows cancer, the whole nevus is removed.
• Other dysplastic nevi may be removed or watched over time to see if they change. Most dysplastic nevi will not develop into melanoma; removing all of them is unnecessary. If the nevi look like melanoma, have changed over time, or are new and look abnormal, then removal may be the recommended treatment.
• In some cases, nevi may be removed because of bleeding, irritation, or they are a cosmetic concern.
• Removal usually involves excision (cutting out) of the nevi. The procedure is done in a medical office while the patient is under a local anesthetic. Sometimes stitches are required. A small scar may remain. If there are numerous nevi to be removed, it may be done over several office visits. Plastic surgery may be needed if the skin area involved is extensive.
• Color photographs may be taken of your body, so that on future office visits any changes can be verified.

medications

No drugs are needed for this disorder.

activity

Be sure to use sunscreens and protective clothing for any exposure to the sun. Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm, if possible.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has nevi (moles) that have changed in appearance or new ones developed and cause concern.
• New nevi appear after treatment.

Special Notes: