Is dysplastic nevi skin cancer?
Atypical or dysplastic nevi are not skin cancers, and often do not become melanoma, although having them appears to increase your risk of developing melanoma, an aggressive and potentially deadly form of skin cancer.
What does the term nevi mean?
Listen to pronunciation. (NEE-vus) A benign (not cancer) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes). A nevus is usually dark and may be raised from the skin.
Should a dysplastic mole be removed?
Also called dysplastic moles, atypical moles may be genetic or caused by damage from sun exposure. About 1 in 10 people develop atypical moles during their lifetime. These moles are not cancerous, and need not be removed if they are not changing.
Why do we have nevi?
Often nevi (especially iris nevi) result from sun exposure, just like freckles do for some people. You may be at risk if you have a light complexion and light-colored eyes (blue or green). Babies might be born with conjunctival nevi, or this type might also form during childhood.
How do you get rid of dysplastic nevi?
Surgical excision of the lesion with a 2- to 3-mm margin of normal skin followed by closure of the skin is the standard method for removal of a biopsy-diagnosed dysplastic nevus.
What causes a nevus?
Congenital nevi are thought to be caused by a genetic mutation, called a sporadic mutation, which develops randomly as a baby grows in the womb. The condition is not inherited.
How are nevi formed?
Melanocytic nevi are neoplasms resulting from the proliferation of melanocytes, the normal pigment-producing cells in the skin.
How common are severely dysplastic nevi?
Dysplastic nevi may be present in approximately 2% to 18% of the population. Individuals with these nevi are at increased risk for melanoma. In White race individuals in the United States, the lifetime risk of developing melanoma is less than 1%, whereas, in patients with dysplastic nevi, the risk is greater than 10%.
What causes nevi on the skin?
Moles (nevi) are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigment-forming cells (melanocytes). Most people have 10 to 40 moles that appear during childhood and adolescence and may change in appearance or fade over time.