Dysplastic nevi are benign moles that can resemble cancerous growths. They are a risk factor for malignant melanoma, and a doctor may need to biopsy a suspicious nevus to rule out cancer. High-risk factors include a family history of melanoma and inability to tan.
Dysplastic nevi are benign moles that can look similar to cancerous growths on the skin. These moles can have an irregular border, an asymmetrical appearance, an uneven color, or all three. Dysplastic nevi are not cancerous, but malignant skin tumors can occasionally begin within such a mole. The presence of dysplastic nevi is one of the risk factors for the development of the skin cancer malignant melanoma.
Dysplastic nevi are usually more than 0.25 inch (6 mm) in diameter. They are most common on the back, abdomen, chest, arms and legs, but can also occur in places not normally exposed to the sun, such as the buttocks, scalp, groin and breasts. They are often asymmetrical in shape and can be multi-colored: tan, brown, black, red and even blue. The border of a dysplastic nevus is irregular and sometimes blends into the surrounding skin. The surface of the mole may be raised in the center or have a pebbled texture.
Most people have normal moles, usually between the ages of 10 and 40. New normal moles can develop any time up to age 40. Normal moles are usually smaller than dysplastic moles and more regular in shape, color, and texture. They are not a significant risk factor for skin cancer unless they are present in quantities of 100 or more along with at least one dysplastic nevus.
Dysplastic nevi can look similar to melanoma growths, so a doctor may need to biopsy a suspicious nevus to rule out cancer. This will involve cutting out all or part of the mole for analysis. Typically, only a dysplastic nevus that appeared after age 40 or a mole with a changed appearance is tested. Changes in appearance that could indicate skin cancer include a change in shape, color, or size. Other indications that the mole may have become cancerous are if the mole starts bleeding or itches.
A dysplastic nevus by itself isn’t dangerous, and up to 8 percent of Caucasians have at least one, according to the US Skin Cancer Foundation. People who are more at risk than the general public of developing melanoma should make sure they check their body regularly for changes in the appearance of any moles or the development of new dysplastic nevi. High-risk factors include light hair or eyes, more than 100 normal moles and at least one dysplastic mole, freckles, a family history of melanoma, repeated and intermittent sunburn, a large birthmark, or inability to tan.
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