A dysplastic nevus is a type of mole that differs from common moles in size, shape, and color. While these moles are not usually cancerous, they can put you at higher risk for developing melanoma and sometimes develop into melanoma if left unmonitored. Learning how to check moles at home and understanding when to see a dermatologist about a mole can help you stay ahead of any potential skin health concerns.
What is a Dysplastic Nevus?
Dysplastic nevi are one of the 4 types of moles. They are considered an atypical mole, which can indicate the mole is larger in size, has uneven edges, has an uneven surface, or is an irregular color. Atypical moles can also change or develop new symptoms over time. It’s rare, but a dysplastic nevus can even transform into melanoma.
Other types of moles are congenital moles, acquired nevi, and spitz nevi. Congenital moles are moles you were born with and are quite common, with 1 in 100 people born with moles. Moles that develop after you are born are called acquired nevi. They are not unusual and are not necessarily cancerous. Spitz nevi are often mistaken for melanoma, and you may need a biopsy to determine if your mole is spitz nevi vs melanoma.
While a dysplastic nevus can sometimes be a cause for concern, not all are dangerous. Knowing the difference between mild, moderate, and severe atypical moles can help you stay proactive about your skin health.
Mild, Moderate, and Severe Atypical Moles
When a dysplastic nevus is biopsied, the results will help categorize your mole as mild, moderate, or severe. This categorization helps to determine the appropriate dysplastic nevi treatment.
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Mild Atypical Moles
Mild atypical moles have very minor, low grade changes. They don’t show color variations or irregular edges. While mild atypical moles don’t often require treatment, they should be monitored over time.
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Moderate Atypical Moles
Moderate atypical moles are not a cause for severe concern. However, depending on the results of the biopsy, moderate atypical moles may need to be removed completely rather than monitored. Moderate atypical moles are often larger in size than typical moles and are often unevenly colored.
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Severe Atypical Moles
Severe atypical moles, whose edges are often irregular, can be a cause for concern. They will need to be completely removed and the surrounding tissue will need to be examined to ensure all atypical cells have been removed.
Is a Dysplastic Nevus Precancerous?
Most dysplastic nevi are not precancerous, though some occurrences of a dysplastic nevus can develop into melanoma. Some people are at higher risk than others of their dysplastic nevus turning into melanoma.
The following attributes describe people who may be at a higher risk of a dysplastic nevus developing into cancer:
- More than 40 moles or more than 5 dysplastic nevi
- A family or personal history of melanoma
- Fair skin or light eyes or hair
- Freckles
- Repeated sunburns
- An inability to tan
If you are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, it’s important to closely monitor your atypical moles using both at-home skin checks and at an annual appointment with your dermatologist.
How to Check Your Moles for Cancer
Checking your moles for cancer at home is an important step in identifying an atypical mole vs melanoma, especially if you are at a higher risk for developing melanoma. We recommend following the ABCDEs of moles when doing a self-screening.
- Asymmetry: You could draw a line down the center of your mole and each half would look different
- Border: The edges of your mole are irregular, often looking scalloped or notched
- Color: Your mole changes in color, and may become red, white, or blue
- Diameter & Dark: Your mole is larger than ¼ inch or is darker than your other moles
- Evolving: Your mole may show new symptoms, such as bleeding, or other changes in shape, size, or color
If you’re unsure if a mole is a dysplastic nevus or melanoma, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
Dysplastic Nevi Treatment
Your dermatologist will conduct a skin examination and possibly a biopsy to determine if a mole is atypical. If the results show your mole is atypical, your dermatologist will discuss the different types of dysplastic nevi treatment. You may elect to monitor your atypical mole, but if you have a severe atypical mole, the mole will need to be removed.
Atypical mole removal is completed using one of three methods: shave biopsy, punch biopsy, or scalpel removal. A blade is used during a shave biopsy to shave off the mole and surrounding skin. During a punch biopsy, a tool is placed on the mole and “punches” out a small, round piece of skin, including the mole. A scalpel removal is exactly as it sounds. A scalpel is used to remove the mole and surrounding skin, and stitches are used to close the wound.
If your dermatologist has determined that your mole is melanoma, they may recommend Mohs Surgery as a treatment option. Mohs Surgery is the most advanced treatment for skin cancer. This procedure preserves as much healthy skin as possible by microscopically analyzing each removed layer for cancer cells to ensure complete removal. Once a layer of skin with no cancer cells has been identified, the area of skin affected by the procedure is reconstructed.
Understanding the treatment options for a dysplastic nevus is essential for making informed decisions about your skin health. Whether monitoring an atypical mole or opting for removal, working closely with a dermatologist ensures the best possible outcome.
A dysplastic nevus can be a harmless skin growth or an early warning sign of melanoma, making it essential to monitor your moles. Practicing routine self-checks following the ABCDE guidelines and scheduling regular dermatology visits can help you catch any suspicious changes early.
If you’re unsure about a mole’s appearance, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment with our dermatologists today at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to book your appointment in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.