Dysplastic moles are fairly common, affecting around 2-8% of the population.
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Dysplastic moles, also known as atypical moles or Clark’s nevi, are fairly common, affecting approximately 2-8% of the population. These moles tend to be larger in size and may have irregular borders or varying colors. They also have a higher likelihood of developing into melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, “Some people have a large number of moles on their body and one or more of those moles may be dysplastic. Dysplastic moles can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the back, chest, and legs.”
It is important to regularly check your skin and report any changes or concerns to your doctor. The following table lists common characteristics of dysplastic moles compared to normal moles:
| Dysplastic Moles | Normal Moles |
|---|---|
| Irregular shape | Round or oval |
| Uneven color | Uniform in color |
| Larger size | Smaller in size |
| Irregular border | Sharp, defined border |
In conclusion, while dysplastic moles may be common, it is important to monitor any changes and report them to your doctor. Taking precautions such as using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds can also decrease your risk of developing skin cancer. As actress Nicole Kidman once said, “The best thing you can do for your skin is to avoid sun exposure.”
Video response
In the video “What are Dysplastic Moles and Do They Turn into Melanoma?”, Melissa Wilson, a physician assistant, explains that dysplastic nevi are abnormal moles that can be genetic or caused by excessive sun exposure and that patients with these moles may require re-excisions if they are severely dysplastic or have a positive margin. While the presence of dysplastic nevi can increase the risk of developing melanoma over time, the severity of dysplasia and the management of the mole determine the risk. Wilson emphasizes the importance of follow-up for patients with this condition and recommends mole mapping or total body photography as useful tools for tracking changes in moles. Patients with any questions can contact melanoma experts via the Ask an Expert line on the AIM at Melanoma website.
There are additional viewpoints
Dysplastic nevi may be present in approximately 2% to 18% of the population. Individuals with these nevi are at increased risk for melanoma. In White race individuals in the United States, the lifetime risk of developing melanoma is less than 1%, whereas, in patients with dysplastic nevi, the risk is greater than 10%.
People are also interested
What percentage of dysplastic nevus becomes melanoma?
The prevalence of dysplastic nevi is estimated to be 2 to 5 percent. Patients with dysplastic nevi appear to have at least a 6 percent lifetime risk of melanoma. In the most severely affected patients (those with a family history of dysplastic nevi and more than one melanoma), the lifetime risk may exceed 50 percent.
Should I worry about dysplastic nevi?
The answer is: However, dysplastic nevi are a risk factor for developing melanoma, and the more dysplastic nevi a person has, the greater their risk of developing melanoma (1, 3). Researchers estimate that the risk of melanoma is about 10 times greater for someone with more than five dysplastic nevi than for someone who has none.
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Are dysplastic moles precancerous?
As a response to this: Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are unusual-looking moles that have irregular features under the microscope. Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer.
How common are precancerous moles?
Response will be: Though moles can turn into cancer, or melanoma, it is rare. According to the National Library of Medicine, only 20 to 30 percent of melanomas arise from preexisting moles. Most precancerous skin lesions occur in areas that would otherwise be considered normal, healthy skin.
What is a dysplastic mole?
Response will be: You may better understand this condition when you break down the meaning of each word: Dysplastic, or dysplasia, refers to the presence of unusual (abnormal) cells in tissue. Dysplastic tissue isn’t cancerous. But it has the potential to develop into cancer. “ Nevus ” is the medical term for a mole, a common type of skin growth.
Do I need A dysplastic nevus or a common mole removed?
Answer: No. Normally, people do not need to have a dysplastic nevus or a common mole removed. One reason is that very few dysplastic nevi or common moles turn into melanoma ( 1, 3 ). And most melanomas do not start as common moles or dysplastic nevi ( 2 ).
What is dysplastic nevus (atypical mole)?
Response to this: Dysplastic nevus is a mole that looks different from most moles. The mole may have irregular borders, be a mix of colors and appear larger than other moles. Atypical moles are benign (not cancerous). However, having a lot of atypical moles increases your risk of melanoma, a life-threatening skin cancer.
Is dysplastic tissue cancerous?
Dysplastic tissue isn’t cancerous. But it has the potential to develop into cancer. “ Nevus ” is the medical term for a mole, a common type of skin growth. Nevi refers to multiple moles. Your provider may use the term dysplastic nevi if you have multiple atypical moles.
What is a dysplastic mole?
You may better understand this condition when you break down the meaning of each word: Dysplastic, or dysplasia, refers to the presence of unusual (abnormal) cells in tissue. Dysplastic tissue isn’t cancerous. But it has the potential to develop into cancer. “ Nevus ” is the medical term for a mole, a common type of skin growth.
Do I need A dysplastic nevus or a common mole removed?
The reply will be: No. Normally, people do not need to have a dysplastic nevus or a common mole removed. One reason is that very few dysplastic nevi or common moles turn into melanoma ( 1, 3 ). And most melanomas do not start as common moles or dysplastic nevi ( 2 ).
What is dysplastic nevus (atypical mole)?
The reply will be: Dysplastic nevus is a mole that looks different from most moles. The mole may have irregular borders, be a mix of colors and appear larger than other moles. Atypical moles are benign (not cancerous). However, having a lot of atypical moles increases your risk of melanoma, a life-threatening skin cancer.
Is dysplastic tissue cancerous?
Answer to this: Dysplastic tissue isn’t cancerous. But it has the potential to develop into cancer. “ Nevus ” is the medical term for a mole, a common type of skin growth. Nevi refers to multiple moles. Your provider may use the term dysplastic nevi if you have multiple atypical moles.