Should I be worried about dysplastic nevus?
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.
What does mildly dysplastic mole mean?
A dysplastic or atypical nevus is a benign (noncancerous) mole that is not a malignant melanoma (cancerous), but has an unusual appearance and/or microscopic features.
What does mild atypia mean?
What does atypia mean? Atypia is a word pathologists use to describe cells that look abnormal either in shape, colour, or size compared to normal, healthy cells in the same location. Pathologists may also describe these changes as cytologic atypia or atypical cells.
How serious is dysplastic nevus?
What is atypia in a Pap smear?
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance is the most common abnormal finding in a Pap test. It may be a sign of infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) or other types of infection, such as a yeast infection.
What’s the difference between mildly dysplastic nevi and melanoma?
A mildly dysplastic nevus is closer on that spectrum to a benign mole, whereas a severely dysplastic nevus is closer to a melanoma. How are dysplastic nevi treated?
When to see a dermatologist for dysplastic nevi?
Those diagnosed with dysplastic nevi have an excellent prognosis. However, if you have a history of dysplastic nevi you have a greater risk of developing melanoma in the future. Therefore, it is recommended that you have regular skin check-ups with your dermatologist.
How big can a dysplastic nevi lesion grow?
Dysplastic nevi do not follow this pattern of maturation and self-destruction. Dysplastic nevi do not age properly. The junctional phase can be prolonged, so that the lesion grows beyond 6 mm. Very often, with increasing size, the lesion shows increasing variation in colour and edge.
When do melanocytic nevi appear on the skin?
Melanocytic nevi (typically shortened to “nevi”) are benign neoplasms of melanocytes found within the skin and are commonly referred to as “moles.” Nevi commonly first occur in childhood, although some nevi may be present at birth (so-called “congenital nevi”).