Dysplastic Nevi
Some people have certain abnormal-looking moles (called dysplastic
nevi or atypical moles) that are more likely than normal moles to
develop into melanoma. Most people with dysplastic nevi have just a
few of these abnormal moles; some people have many. People with
dysplastic nevi and their health care provider should examine these
moles regularly to watch for changes. (Additional information about
moles and dysplastic nevi and melanoma risk is available in the NCI booklet
What You Need To Know About Moles and Dysplastic Nevi.)
Dysplastic nevi often look very much like melanoma. Doctors with
special training in skin diseases are in the best position to decide whether an
abnormal-looking mole should be closely watched or removed and checked for
cancer.
In some families, many members
have a large number of dysplastic nevi, and some have had melanoma. Members of these families have a very high
risk of melanoma. Doctors often recommend
that they have frequent checkups (every 3 to 6 months) so that any problems can
be detected early. The doctor may take
pictures of a person’s skin to help show when changes occur.
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