Dysplastic Nevi

Researchers are still unsure of what exactly causes dysplastic nevi, or atypical moles. They believe it is a combination of two factors – genetics and environmental elements – that drive the formation of dysplastic nevi. For example, environmental factors may include UV exposure, which increases the chance of cell mutation and, thus, changes in moles.

The most common symptoms of dysplastic nevi include:

Have you noticed a mole showing any of the warning signs and symptoms mentioned above? We urge you to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. If you’re in the Brentwood area in Tennessee, schedule a skin consultation with one of the expert dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology by contacting our clinic today.

Dysplastic nevi may change over time but not always. This is one of the major warning signs of dysplastic nevi that we recommend our patients keep an eye out for when performing their monthly skin exams, as evolving moles may be a sign of something more serious, such as skin cancer.

Dysplastic nevi may show abnormal features and characteristics, but they are not inherently cancerous. 

However, having a large amount of dysplastic nevi – or atypical moles – increases one’s chances of developing melanoma, which is why it is important to visit a board-certified dermatologist for an annual skin cancer screening to keep an eye on any suspicious spots.

At Brentwood Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists do not typically remove dysplastic nevi unless they pose a significant risk of turning into skin cancer. However, if you have a significant amount of dysplastic nevi, your doctor may want to monitor them for any changes or transformations that may indicate a more serious condition. 

Furthermore, if your dermatologist identifies an unusually problematic dysplastic nevus, he or she may remove it for biopsy purposes to rule out any serious skin conditions.

Following the removal of a dysplastic nevus, or atypical mole, it is unlikely that the mole will return. Recurrence of dysplastic nevi is rare, though if it does happen, this may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as malignant melanoma. This is why it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist for a professional evaluation and diagnosis.