Q: i had a shave removal that came back as "lentiginous junctional (dysplastic) nevus with mild atypia, to <0.2 mm of. is this of concern?

No: If it is not a melanoma, it is of less concern. Being dysplastic, is a pathologic concerning point, but with it's small size, I would closely watch it. "Mild atypia" is the key to the answer. That is why shave removal's never really remove these, just the top layer. If any increase in size, remove immediately.

Q: is dysplastic nevus with moderate atypia malignancy?

No: Dysplastic nevus is not cancer, but left alone these can progress to cancer. Best to have it removed, that is all the treatment necessary.

Question 1

is dysplastic nevus benign?

Accepted Answer

DYSPLASTIC NEVUS: THIS IS A NEVUS (MOLE) WITH AN ABNORMAL DEVELOPMENT OR GROWTH OF CELLS.
THIS SHOULD BE SEEN BY A DERMATOLOGIST WHO WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO EITHER WATCH IT PERIODICALLY OR TO CUT IT OUT -- BIOPSY IT -- UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA AND THEN SEND THE SAMPLE TO A SPECIALIZED PATHOLOGIST FOR AN EXAMINATION.

Question 2

what does a dysplastic nevus look like?

Accepted Answer

ABCDE's of moles: Atypical moles that resemble melanoma often has one or all of the following characteristics: a for asymmetry; b for irregular borders; c for lots of different colors (or shades of brown); d for rapidly growing diameter; e for evolving or changing mole.  If you have any moles with these characteristics, you should see a dermatologist.

Question 3

what do you know about dysplastic nevus?

Accepted Answer

Dysplastic nevi: "the moles look unusual, clinically, and they have some features in common with melanoma, so they may get biopsied. When they get biopsied, they may have some cytologic atypia, which is reported as mildly dysplastic, moderately dysplastic or severely dysplastic. This report may cause the dermatologist to re-excise the lesion to make sure that it is all gone so it will not become a melanoma.

Question 4

what happens in dysplastic nevus syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Close monitoring: Dysplastic nevus syndrome is a condition in which the person has many (often 100's) atypical moles.  With the syndrome, one has a higher risk of developing malignant melanoma, which is a high risk skin cancer.  For this reason, frequent and close monitoring with self skin checks and routinely by a dermatologist is a must.

Question 5

severely atypical dysplastic nevus--is this really bad?

Accepted Answer

This is not melanoma: This can be associated with a family risk of melanoma in some cases. There are usuallly other family members with melanoma in that case. 
Frequent follow up with the dermatologist is needed, as well as reduction in sun exposure.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: dysplastic nevus?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal mole: A dysplastic nevus is a mole stuck in limbo. It is not a skin cancer but has some abnormal features that make it a concern. I hope this information is helpful.

Stephen weber, M.D., f.A.C.S.
Lone tree facial plastic surgeon.

Question 7

i had a dysplastic nevus removed and it recurred. should i worry?

Accepted Answer

Dysplastic nevi: "the moles look unusual, clinically, and they have some features in common with melanoma, so they may get biopsied. When they get biopsied, they may have some cytologic atypia, which is reported as mildly dysplastic, moderately dysplastic or severely dysplastic. This report may cause the dermatologist to re-excise the lesion to make sure that it is all gone.  Get the dysplastic mole removed.

Question 8

is it not imperative to re excise mod dysplastic nevus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes if recommended by the dermatopathologist to the doctor that did the biopsy.

Question 9

i had a shave removal that came back as "lentiginous junctional (dysplastic) nevus with mild atypia, to <0.2 mm of. is this of concern?

Accepted Answer

No: If it is not a melanoma, it is of less concern.  Being dysplastic, is a pathologic concerning point, but with it's small size, I would closely watch it.  "Mild atypia" is the key to the answer.  That is why shave removal's never really remove these, just the top layer.
If any increase in size, remove immediately.

Question 10

is dysplastic nevus with moderate atypia malignancy?

Accepted Answer

No: Dysplastic nevus is not cancer, but left alone these can progress to cancer.  Best to have it removed, that is all the treatment necessary.

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Doctor answers about:

Dysplastic nevus

A member asked:

Is dysplastic nevus benign?

A member asked:

What does a dysplastic nevus look like?

A member asked:

What do you know about dysplastic nevus?

A member asked:

What happens in dysplastic nevus syndrome?

A member asked:

Severely atypical dysplastic nevus--is this really bad?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: dysplastic nevus?

A member asked:

I had a dysplastic nevus removed and it recurred. should i worry?

A member asked:

Is it not imperative to re excise mod dysplastic nevus?

A member asked:

I had a shave removal that came back as "lentiginous junctional (dysplastic) nevus with mild atypia, to <0.2 mm of. is this of concern?

A member asked:

Is dysplastic nevus with moderate atypia malignancy?

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