Is a dysplastic nevus cancerous?

Is it cancer? No. A dysplastic nevus is more likely than a common mole to become cancer, but most do not become cancer.

Is dysplastic nevus precancerous?

There are several skin conditions that can be a “precancer” or an indicator that one may be prone to skin cancers. Two of the most common are known as actinic keratosis and dysplastic nevus.

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.

What is the difference between dysplastic nevus and melanoma?

A dysplastic nevus can contain different colors, which can range from pink to dark brown. Parts of the mole may be raised above the skin surface. A dysplastic nevus may develop into melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and the more dysplastic nevi a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma.

Is a severely dysplastic nevus melanoma?

Moderately-to-severely and severely dysplastic nevi are more often associated with melanoma, and excision may be beneficial for melanoma detection or prevention.

When should dysplastic nevus be removed?

Most dermatologists usually recommend that all patients with these severely dysplastic moles have them removed with a margin (0.5 cm-about a quarter inch) of clinically normal skin. Also many dermatologists recommend removing “moderate dysplasia” moles, if the biopsy didn’t get all of it.

Is a dysplastic nevus melanoma?

A dysplastic nevus may develop into melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and the more dysplastic nevi a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma. A dysplastic nevus is sometimes called an atypical mole.

Should severely dysplastic nevus be removed?

Dysplastic nevi can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild is closer to benign, while moderate to severe is closer to melanoma. When diagnosed, most dermatologists will recommend that severe dysplastic nevi be removed as a precaution.

Can dysplastic nevi look like melanoma?

Dysplastic nevi, also known as atypical moles, are unusual benign moles that may resemble melanoma. People who have them are at an increased risk of melanoma. The larger the number of atypical moles, the greater the risk.