Dysplastic nevi, also commonly referred to as atypical moles, are moles that look different from common nevi. It’s important to watch atypical moles and regularly visit a dermatologist to make sure they aren’t growing or changing.
What are Atypical or Dysplastic Moles?
Atypical or dysplastic nevi are unusual looking moles that are generally darker, larger and have irregular borders and colors when compared to typical moles. These types of moles can be located anywhere on the body.
While atypical moles are usually benign (non-cancerous), they can resemble melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, and may indicate a higher risk of developing it. Because dysplastic moles can change over time, monitoring them is important.
What Causes Atypical Moles?
Atypical moles are believed to be caused by several factors including genetics and environmental influences. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing these moles, while others may develop them due to excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun or tanning beds.
People with a family history of atypical moles or melanoma are also at a higher risk of developing dysplastic moles.
How Can You Prevent Atypical or Dysplastic Moles From Forming?
Although it may not be possible to completely prevent atypical moles, you can reduce the risk of developing new moles through sun protection.
Excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a major contributing factor to developing atypical moles, and melanoma has been shown to be caused by ultraviolet light. Therefore, practicing sun safety and reducing exposure to UVA/UVB rays is essential. We advise using sunscreens that contain zinc oxide to block a large spectrum of UVA rays, sun protective clothing, and avoidance of tanning booths.
Thorough, full-body self-examinations are also an important preventative step. Documenting the location and appearance of your moles allows you to compare them over time, identify any changes or irregularities, and then discuss these changes with your dermatologist.
How Do You Treat Dysplastic Moles?
Dysplastic nevi, or atypical moles, can be managed in a variety of ways depending on the characteristics and the patient’s risk factors. While many dysplastic moles do not require immediate treatment, those that show signs of potentially being cancerous may need to be removed.
The most common and effective treatment for dysplastic moles is surgical excision, which is performed in a dermatologist’s office.
How Does the Treatment of Dysplastic Moles Work?
Surgical excision involves removing the mole along with a small margin of surrounding skin to make sure all atypical cells are eliminated. Using a scalpel, the dermatologist or surgeon will carefully cut around the mole to remove it. The size of the excision site depends on the mole’s characteristics. The depth of the excision may vary; superficial moles require a shallow cut, while deeper moles may need more tissue removal.
Before the procedure begins, your medical team will clean and numb the area, and once the excision is finished, they will close the wound and discuss care protocols with you.
Benefits of Treating Dysplastic or Atypical Moles
Treating dysplastic or atypical moles can reduce the risk of skin cancer and allow for early intervention. By having a suspicious mole removed and biopsied, dermatologists can identify melanoma at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable and curable. For many, another benefit is peace of mind, with knowing a potentially problematic mole has been removed.
