Dysplastic Nevus

Dysplastic nevi, also known as atypical moles, are unusual benign moles that may mimick melanoma. People who have them are at an increased risk of melanoma.

Heredity plays a part, and people with a family history of melanoma (two or more close blood relatives) as well as atypical moles are at the highest risk. However, those with atypical moles and no family history still have a higher risk than the general public.

Normal Moles Vs. Dysplastic Nevi

The average young adult has about 10-20 normal moles or growths. Generally, normal moles have the following characteristics:

Normal Mole

  • Shape: symmetrical, round, or oval
  • Border: regular, sharp, and well-defined
  • Color: usually tan, brown, or skin color
  • Diameter: usually <6 mm (1/4 inch) or smaller — less than the size of a pencil eraser
  • Location: often concentrated on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, trunk, arms and legs.
  • Uniformity: resemble one another

Even normal moles increase the likelihood of malignancy, provided they are numerous. The greater the total number of moles on the body, the greater the overall risk of melanoma.

Dysplastic Nevi Vs. Melanoma

It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between dysplastic nevi and melanoma. A mole that appears suspicious–changes in size, shape or color, the doctor will remove the entire mole for microscopic examination.

Sometimes, melanomas will begin within the mole itself. Dysplastic nevi usually have the following characteristics:

Dysplastic Mole

  • Shape: asymmetrical; a line drawn through the middle would not create matching halves
  • Border: irregular or poorly defined
  • Color: variation with shades of tan, pink, brown, dark brown, black, or mixed
  • Diameter: generally larger than 6 mm
  • Location: most commonly on the back, chest, abdomen, extremities and scalp; may also occur on normally unexposed areas such as buttocks, groin or female breasts
  • Growth: enlargement of a previously stable mole or new and changing mole
  • Surface: central portion is flat to slightly raised
  • Appearance: greatly varied; dysplastic nevi often look different from one another
  • Number: from a few to well over 100

More Serious Warning Signs

Some skin lesions display more serious warning signs of melanoma: changing, elevation, crusting, oozing/bleeding, a bluish-black color, and ulceration. If any of these warning signs appear on your own skin or that of a friend or family member, consult a dermatologist right away.