Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that often have irregular features that may mimic melanoma. While these moles do indicate that you are at a higher risk for developing melanoma, dysplastic nevi themselves are not cancerous and are not thought to be pre-cursor lesions to melanoma. In fact > 70% of all melanomas arise in clear skin.

**Types of Dysplastic Nevi:**

When your dermatologist samples an atypical mole, the pathologist usually categorizes it as either mild, moderate, or severely atypical:

1. *Mildly Dysplastic Nevi:*

These moles typically exhibit slight irregularities but are benign and no further treatment is needed.

2. *Moderately Dysplastic Nevi:*

Moles falling into this category may display more noticeable irregularities, warranting closer observation and, in some cases surgical excision maybe considered based on your dermatologists clinical judgement. However, these lesions are benign and an overwhelming majority don’t require further treatment.

3. *Severely Dysplastic Nevi:*

These moles present significant irregularities and a higher risk of progressing into melanoma. Surgical excision is often recommended to eliminate the risk of cancer development.

**Surgical Treatment for Dysplastic Nevi:**

Most dysplastic nevi that are concerning enough for surgical removal can be simply excised in our office with conservative 3 - 5 mm margins. This requires stitches and that you take it easy for the next 2 weeks while the wound is healing.

This excised sample will be sent out to a dermatopathologist who will check the sample under the microscope to make sure there are no remaining atypical cells.

Kim CC, Swetter SM, Curiel-Lewandrowski C, et al. Addressing the knowledge gap in clinical recommendations for management and complete excision of clinically atypical nevi/dysplastic nevi: Pigmented Lesion Subcommittee consensus statement. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(2):212-218. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.2694

Strazzula L, Vedak P, Hoang MP, Sober A, Tsao H, Kroshinsky D. The utility of re-excising mildly and moderately dysplastic nevi: a retrospective analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(6):1071-1076. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.08.025

Kim CC, Berry EG, Marchetti MA, et al. Risk of Subsequent Cutaneous Melanoma in Moderately Dysplastic Nevi Excisionally Biopsied but With Positive Histologic Margins. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(12):1401-1408. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.3359