Dysplastic Nevus

Question: dysplastic nevus???? what is it and how serious is it? what causes it? how common is it and what can it devlop into. it was byopsied and the dermatologist said it was precancerous adn moderate. i also am now supposed to wear sunscreen whenever i leave the house so im guessing it is caused by the sun

Answer: A dysplastic nevus is a mole that has changed in appearance. One really has to biospsy (take a sample) and examine it under a microscope to call it dsyplastic. There can be different degrees of dyplasia. It can be caused by age, sun, contact, or chemicals. It may become cancerous although most do not. It would need to be examined periodically by a dermatologist where they would measure it and take periodic pictures. If small it may simply be removed.

Question: Is dysplastic nevus with moderate atypia skin cancer? My friend went to the dermatologist and they removed a mole which they diagnosed as dysplastic compound nevus with moderate atypia. This is the full examination result: "Sections show a skin biopsy in which tthe epidermis contains melanocytes which show moderate cytological atpyps and dot the basal layer in a lentiginous fashion, extending laterally past the confines of the dermal nevus cell component. Focally, these aggregate to form nests and bridges between elongated rete. The dermis exhibits concentric eosinophilic fibrosis and contains a lymphocytic infiltrate interspersed amongst nevus cells in the superficial dermis. The morphological features are in keeping with those of a compound nevus with architectural disorder and moderate cytological melanocytic atypia. Where the true margin of resection is visible, excision appears complete. Nevertheless, clinical correlation is appropriate; any residual pigmented lesion should be completely, but conservatively excised. " What does this all mean? Is it cancerous (melanoma)? Should she be seeking treatment?

Answer: This report says that your friend had precancerous changes - so her mole was becoming a melanoma, but not a melanoma as yet. Clear margins is good - it means that there were no abnormal cells near the cut edges of the piece of skin removed and so it is likely that everything was removed, but if any of the mole remains, it needs to be cut out. It would also be advisable for your friend to continue to have regular skin checks.

Question: Severely Atypical Dysplastic Nevus? Hey all, A few weeks ago I had a mole removed from my scalp that came back pre-cancerous; a severely atypical dysplastic nevus. Sadly, tomorrow morning I have to have surgery to remove 2 or 3 inches from my scalp to make sure it doesn't come back as a melanoma. My question is this: how bad is the scarring for something like this? The lesion was on the part line of my hair, so I know they are going to have to shave, but I have no idea how bad it is going to be. Has anyone else had this done before?

Answer: A good cosmetic surgeon should be involved in the closure, resulting in minimal scarring.

Question: Dysplastic nevus as compared to melanoma? How can one tell the difference from just looking.

Answer: A dysplastic nevus is growth or mark on the skin, called a mole, that is larger than normal. Also called an atypical mole. It will not change, itch or cause any probems. A melanoma will often change size, colour and itch or bleed;

Question: what are the chances of an atypical mole or dysplastic nevus turning into melanoma?

Answer: . Definition: "Atypical moles" also referred to as Clark’s nevi or dysplastic nevi are moles that are considered to be precancerous or more likely to turn into melanoma than regular moles. When looking at an atypical mole on the skin, one will see some of the features that one sees when looking at melanoma such as: an irregular border, slight variation in color, or asymmetry (if you cut the mole in half, the two halves do not look the same). When a pathologist looks at an atypical mole under the microscope, it has features that are in-between a normal mole and a melanoma. Most experts believe that atypical moles are at higher risk of turning into melanoma as compared to normal moles. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer which kills quickly if not removed in time. II. Causes: The tendency to develop atypical moles is inherited (runs in families). Exposing the skin to sunlight is thought to lead to the development of atypical moles. III. Prevention: If you have a family member who has had a melanoma and you have atypical moles, you should have a complete skin exam each year. People with many atypical moles should have a complete skin exam each year. You should also check your own moles once a month. If one mole seems to be changing more than your other moles or is marching out of step with your other moles it should be removed immediately. Use sunscreen daily on epxposed skin areas. IV. Treatment: Atypical moles should be removed immediately if they are changing color, shape or size over a period of weeks to months. These moles should also be removed immediately if they bleed or itch. These signs all suggest that an atypical mole may have turned into a melanoma. The only safe way to remove an atypical mole is to have it cut out. The specimen is then sent to the pathologist to be analyzed under the microscope. Removing an atypical mole leaves a permanent scar. If an atypical mole looks like it could be an early melanoma, the doctor will recommend removal as soon as possible. Sometimes the only way to be absolutely sure that an atypical mole is not a melanoma is to have it removed and analyzed. Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer. There are about 40,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States every year and about 7,800 deaths. They occur very rarely in people younger than 20 years of age. About half occur in apparently normal skin, the other half arise from "moles". On average, a person has about 20 "moles". If there are about 200,000,000 people in the United States over the age of 20 years and if they have an average of 20 moles each then the odds of any one "mole" turning into cancer is 20,000/200,000,000 x 20 = 20,000/ 4,000,000,000 = 1 melanoma per 200,000 moles per year.

Question: I had a dysplastic nevus removed for biopsy. it recurred. should I worry?

Answer: Don't worry, get medical opinion.

Question: I have just been informed that I have mild dysplastic compound nevus...? But that they got all the tissue and I need to have the area checked in six months. This is the second mole I have had with this issue. Should I expect this to continue? Am I a high risk for cancer? I am not fair skinned and I have avoided tanning for the past seven years. I always wear sunscreen.

Answer: if you are fair skinned and have a lot of moles, yes. Avoid tanning booths like the plague and protect your skin in the sun, minimize exposure as much as you can, always wear a sun screen.

Question: If you have a dysplastic Nevi removed ( mole ) and it returns? What is the best corse of action for a mole that was found to be dysplastic and pigment returns in less than 3 months?

Answer: My husband had them removed and none came back. Maybe the Dr. did not remove all the way down to the root of the mole. I would ask the Dr. that preformed the removal.

Question: Does dysplastic nevi or an atypical mole usually turn into melanoma? I have one on my back and am REALY scared. REALLY* Typo

Answer: Any mole can turn in to melanoma. Have it looked after to ease your mind - or have an MD place a watch on it and if it changes shape/color and dimension they will remove it.

Question: Dysplastic Nevi....HELP? Please read this. I have two moles that "appeared" I guess sometime within the last year or two ( I know I should of payed closer attention but within the last few years I have given birth to my daughter and also had a very close family member of mine get sick and pass away. Well I'm TERRIFIED of these moles because there is two about 6 inches apart on my arm and both appeared, are irregular borders, and have different colors in them. light brown and very dark brown. They are about the size of HALF a pencil eraser and as I have been watching them closely this past 5 or 6 months that I really noticed them they have not grown one bit. I finally went to my dermatologist ( had a prior problem w/ insurance ) and she said she is almost 100% positive they are dsyplastic nevi but she will remove them to be sure and to make sure they don't ever turn into melanoma. The surgery is not for two months and I suffer from severe anxiety so I am sick to my stomach every day. I mean how can moles just appear and be dysplastic nevi....now not anymore but b4 I got pregnant w/ my daughter I was young and stupid and I had a LOT LOT LOT of sun exposure in tanning beds/beach and what not. Please has anybody had a dysplatic mole just appear and it be fine after biopsy? What happened? PLEASE share

Answer: First of all stop worrying... Yes, you should be concerned, but not mortified. A dysplastic nevus how ever bad it sounds is still a benign lesion. Obviously the dermatologist doesn't think it is that bad if she schedule you 2 month away. Believe me if she thought it was a severe dysplastic nevus or melanoma she/he would schedule you sooner. Yes, granted it is a dysplastic nevus which basically means a gray zone. Meaning it is not bad, but they can't say that is is good either. Even with a diagnoses of dysplastic their are 3 categories with in that umbrella. Mild, Moderate and Sever. (but still all benign.) most of them fall under the mild and moderate which normally are kept an eye on. Sun does contribute to the changes but that is only a small factor to a dysplastic nevus. Genetics plays a bigger role. After the biopsy they will have a definite answer where it fits. In our office a biopsy only takes a few min. and we normally do it the day you come in. But still never the less, dysplastic is a Benign spot. Don not Worry.

Question: biopsy came back as dysplastic nevi? I had a small freckle on my shoulder. I went to my dermo she looked at it and didn't think it was anything but removed it anyway. she sent it in to be tested and called me today and told me that they went her to remove more because they think its a dysplastic nevi. she said its not an emergency and to come in within the next few weeks. She would just have to remove a little more and stitch it up. I made an apt for monday. is this common? this is my only one. And why would she have to remove more, if she removed it already? it was not big at all, and it was not raised, she removed it in a couple of seconds.

Answer: Hey there, Ironically, I can relate because I just had 5 biopsies done and the one on my shoulder came back mildly dyplastic (the others were fine). I talked to a dermatologist and they said that it's nothing to worry about because my borders were clear and that "mild dysplasia" is nothing serious. Usually dysplasia is in three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. None of them are cancerous, but are at a higher risk of melanoma. Just let her take the rest out to be sure it's gone and you should be all set. I freaked out too before talking to the derm. Deep breath! Hugs! Gretchen

Question: How long does melanoma (after a mole becomes malignant) take to spread and cause a person to die? Does it take years after malignancy of a mole or does melanoma spread within a few weeks as with other cancers? For example if someone has a mole (dysplastic nevi) for more than 2 years, could it be that this mole has been malignant for two years or longer?

Answer: Difficult to say as each person is an individual. Some cancers grow slower than others and some take off like wildfire and spread within a few weeks. Cancer means the uncontrollable growth of cells . . so the fact that they may grow quickly should never come as a surprise to anyone. Death from malignancy is also an individual thing since much will depend on the overall health of the individual, age, and their response to treatment. As for your question about how long it takes a mole to become malignant .. again it depends on the person. Some cancers can stay dormant for undetermined amount of time and than suddenly begin growing rapidly. No one knows why or we would be able to stop cancer. That is why it is best to treat cancer when it is small and manageable because you never know when it is going to have a 'growth spurt' and spread like wildfire.

Question: spitzoid/dysplastic mole? i just got back a report from a tissue pathologist from a mole i had removed from my chest. it says "compound melanocytic nevus with combined 'spitzoid' and 'dysplastic' features". i am scared. does this mean i could have melanoma?

Answer: it would say melanoma if you had it.

Question: Has anyone here ever had a suspicious mole removed? I went to a free skin cancer screening and was told I should come back to have 2 dysplastic nevi (abnormal moles) looked at. Has anyone has this done before and had everything turn out ok? My appt is in 2 weeks and I'm completely freaking out about this! The last time I was at the doc was 6 months ago to have my annual gyno exam (everything ok). One of the moles is on my breast and my OB never mentioned anything about it (she had to do a breast exam on me... also, I had a baby last year so saw lots of docs- don't you think one would mention something if something looked suspicious?). I do have a photo of me from 2 years ago in a bathing suit (one mole is on my breast) and I can see the mole and it looks pretty much the same, but it definitely is dysplastic nevi. Can someone help calm me down? Thanks!!!! Thanks for all the great responses, guys! Could you also please tell me what your moles looked like? Thanks!

Answer: OK check it out. Don't freak out! I've had 3 moles removed and checked out. Each time recieving a clean bill of health. They do this because if you went to see them and they saw something that "could be harmful" and said/did nothing and later on down the road it becomes "something" they could face a lawsuit. It doesn't hurt to want to know if something is harmful or could become harmful. Most likely they are just average moles, but have them checked regularly...you never know they could turn into something. I have one on the back of my neck I have checked frequently. I also had several removed, and yes...they can come back.

Question: My skin cancer results? I had 4 spots removed and tested for skin cancer well, I don't understand what they mean. First diagnosis was Papillomatous compound nevus. Next diagnosis was Mildly dysplastic compound nevus; examined margins free of nevus. Then the next diagnosis was Blue Nevus. Finally the last diagnosis was Papillomatous intradermal nevus. If someone could help me understand these results that would be very helpful to be because my doctors wants to remove more spots and Its not a nice feeling to be punch (cut). Thanks!

Answer: I looked up some info for you. Hope it helps! Nevus: This is the pigmented nevus or mole, sometimes called a nevocellular nevus or melanocytic nevus. The term nevus is often used synonymously for a mole but it actually means any congenital lesion of the skin. Clinically, most nevi are small, usually less than 6 mm. They are usually flat or slightly raised and have even pigmentation or flesh coloration with sharply circumscribed borders. Many of the clinical variants are listed in the commonly used terms. Blue Nevus: The blue nevus is a variant of a common mole. It is composed of melanocytes, the cells which produce the melanin pigment, which have a spindled to epithelioid appearance. This nevus gets its name from the distinct clinical appearance because of the pigmented cells within the dermis. It is benign and is usually more of a cosmetic problem. Dysplastic Nevus: Few topics in pathology engender as much controversy as the dysplastic nevus. Even its name is not universally accepted. Most investigators use this term to describe a clinically distinct nevus first described in a familial setting of patients with an increased risk of melanoma. Dr. Wallace Clark (of Clark's level fame) noted the distinctive histologic and clinical appearance of these moles. Familial cases were coined B-K mole syndrome (based upon the initials of the surnames of the two of the kindreds) and the FAMMM syndrome (Familial atypical mole/malignant melanoma syndrome). The B-K mole patients were later denoted as part of the dysplastic nevus syndrome. Papillomatous Intradermal Nevus:Papillomatous intradermal nevi are common acquired melanocytic nevi. Although harmless, they can be - especially on the face - cosmetically disturbing. At selected sites on the trunk, they may be traumatized by clothing, so that patients often wish to have them removed with a low likelihood of recurrence.

Question: atypical cells? I had a mole (dysplastic nevi) removed and the results came back with atypical cells on the top layer. While I wait to meet w/ the doctor - does anyone know if atypical means precancerous? Or are they just not typical/normal?

Answer: An atypical nevus or dysplastic nevus (mole) is a benign growth that may share some of the features of a melanoma, but is NOT a melanoma or any other form of cancer. The presence of an atypical nevus, however, may increase the risk of developing a melanoma, or be a marker for it. A single atypical nevus may indicate a small risk; this risk increases with the number of atypical nevi present The lifetime risk of a person in the United States developing melanoma is 1 in 75. A patient with one to four atypical nevi without a personal or family history of melanoma is at a slightly higher risk than the general population. The risk of developing melanoma is higher if a patient with atypical nevi has a personal or family history of melanoma. A patient who has multiple atypical and normal nevi (moles) may have Familial Atypical Nevus Syndrome, and is at an increased risk for developing a melanoma, especially if a relative had melanoma.

Question: Abdominal Biopsy results... worry? I recently had a biopsy done and the results say: A. Skin of left mid abdomen with: dysplastic compound nevus with slight atypia, focally involving one cutaneous margin B. Skin of right bid abdomen, with: benign intradermal nevus Should I be worried? The doctor is out of the office today but they faxed me the results.

Answer: dysplastic-- bad formation nevus--- spot kinda like a mole atypia--- abnormality cutaneous---affecting the skin benign--- noncancerous, not dangerous intradermal--- relating to areas between the skin. I'm no doctor, but from those results I would say probably not. Call the doctor though and ask them to explain it to you.

Question: Could my mole be cancerous? I've had a mole on my forearm for my entire life (not sure if it was there when I was born, but probably not!) It's not really changed, but has some of the ABCDE characteristics. For example, sort-of assymetrical, irregular border (but an ovalish shape), color is pretty much the same but a bit lighter in the middle. Diameter is smaller than a pencil eraser, and it is elavated, but always has been and hasn't changed. This picture looks quite a lot like my mole: http://www.skincancer.org/images/stories… Should I get it checked out/removed, or am I fine right now? My family have always had atypical moles, but nobody in my family that I know of have developed skin cancer. I'm thirteen, can melanoma occur at this age?

Answer: You should get it checked out anyway, just to get it off your mind. I have quite a few moles on my arms and they're all pretty dark, but my doctor said they're fine as long as they don't turn blue or some other strange color. I think you're fine, but still, get a professional's opinion.

Question: Melanomas often arise in? A. Dysplastic nevi on the back, lower leg, or neck B. The basal cell layer of the epidermis C. Squamous epithelial cells of the epidermis D. The subcutaneous layer of the skin

Answer: A

Question: Mole Question...? I've had a mole on my forearm for my entire life (not sure if it was there when I was born, but probably not!) It's not really changed, but has some of the ABCDE characteristics. For example, sort-of assymetrical, irregular border (but an ovalish shape), color is pretty much the same but a bit lighter in the middle. Diameter is smaller than a pencil eraser, and it is elavated, but always has been and hasn't changed. This picture looks quite a lot like my mole: http://www.skincancer.org/images/stories… Should I get it checked out/removed, or am I fine right now? My family have always had atypical moles, but nobody in my family that I know of have developed skin cancer. I'm thirteen, can melanoma occur at this age?

Answer: moles are a sign of beauty, forget about the moles unless they throb with some kind of pain. U are fine and should be proud of all your moles.