Dr. Jane Yoo explains dysplastic nevi, benign moles that are larger, irregularly bordered, and multicolored. About 10% of people have at least one, and they raise melanoma risk, especially with many moles or a family history. She recommends monthly self-exams, professional skin checks, and daily sunscreen.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jane Yoo, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I want to start by talking about dysplastic nevi, also called atypical moles. These are moles that look a little unusual under the microscope and on the skin. They're benign, but they don't look like regular moles. Instead of being small, round, and evenly colored, Dysplastic nevi are often larger than 5 millimeters, have irregular or blurry borders, and may contain multiple colors, like a mixture of pink, tan, or brown. Some even look like a fried egg, with a dark center and lighter edges. Others are completely flat or raised in only one area. Now, these types of moles are fairly common. Around 10% of the general population has at least one. And they can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas that don't get much sun exposure. The important thing to know is that dysplastic nevi are not melanoma, but having them, especially if you have many, can increase your risk of developing melanoma in the future. That risk is higher if you also have a personal or family history of melanoma. In fact, people with a hereditary condition called dysplastic nevus syndrome may have hundreds of these moles and their lifetime risk of melanoma is significantly increased. That's why monitoring is so important. If you have dysplastic nevi, we recommend regular full-body skin exams and taking photos to track changes over time. You should also perform monthly skin checks at home. Look for any mole that's changing in size, shape, or color, and that starts to itch, crust, or bleed. If something doesn't look right, get it checked. Biopsies are often done to rule out melanoma, especially if a mole is evolving or looks very different from the others. And of course, sun protection plays a big role. UV exposure can increase the risk of these moles changing, so daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential. Dysplastic nevi don't always lead to skin cancer, but they are a sign that your skin needs a little more attention. So regular monitoring and early detection make all the difference.
