Dysplastic nevus, also known as atypical nevus, is a type of mole that carries an increased risk of developing melanoma.
It is believed that hereditary gene mutations and excess solar radiation can be the cause of the appearance of atypical nevi. Usually, dysplastic nevus is diagnosed in young and mature age and can be located on any part of the body, but most often - on the skin of the trunk.
Most atypical nevi have one or more of the ABCDE features, including asymmetry of shape, irregular edges, uneven coloring, and size greater than 0.6 cm.
However, oncologist of the 1st category of the HappyDerm medical center Lyudmila Artyushkevich notes that the greatest danger is posed by progressive dysplastic nevus, which is characterized by changes in the nevus over a short period of time (1-2 years).
Atypical nevi can be:
- single:
- multiple.
In dysplastic nevus syndrome, a person and his close relatives (blood relatives) may have multiple occurrences of dysplastic nevi (more than 50) and cases of melanoma. The risk of developing melanoma in these patients is increased by 25 times.
When diagnosing dysplastic nevi, an important step is visual inspection and dermatoscopy. If an atypical mole is detected, surgical removal followed by histological examination allows for a definitive diagnosis.
However, not all moles that look dysplastic are actually so. Progressive dysplastic nevus and early melanoma can have similar clinical manifestations, so for an accurate diagnosis, a consultation with an experienced morphologist is necessary.
For atypical nevi, the tactics may vary from dynamic observation to removal of rapidly changing and difficult to observe nevi. Patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome and their relatives should undergo regular examination by an oncologist.
Prevention
Sun protection and regular vitamin D supplementation are recommended for patients with atypical moles. Most dysplastic nevi do not progress to melanoma and remain stable for a long time. However, progressive atypical nevi and dysplastic nevus syndrome pose the greatest risk.
If a rapidly growing mole is detected, it is necessary to consult a dermato-oncologist for diagnosis and determination of further treatment tactics.
