Dysplastic Nevi - Symptoms and Treatment

A dysplastic nevus, is an irregular mole. Dysplastic nevi are generally larger than ordinary moles and have irregular and indistinct borders. A dysplastic nevus can even give rise to malignant melanoma. They usually have a macular component and keep on changing there shape. The borders are irregular and often hazy. Their color frequently is not uniform and ranges from pink to dark brown; they usually are flat, but parts may be raised above the skin surface. Dysplastic naevus can be found anywhere, but are most common on the trunk. The diagnosis of atypical moles is made clinically and not histologically, and moles should be removed only if they are suspected to be melanomas. Clinically, these moles are large (> 5 mm in diameter), with an ill-defined, irregular border and irregularly distributed pigmentation. It is estimated that in Dysplastic Nevi 5�10% of the United States population have one or more atypical nevi. Studies of Dysplastic Nevi have defined an increased risk of melanoma in the following populations patients with 50 or more nevi with one or more atypical moles and one mole at least 8 mm or larger, and patients with a few to many definitely atypical moles. The patients of Dysplastic Nevi deserve education and regular (usually every 6�12 months) follow-up. Kindreds with familial melanoma (numerous atypical nevi and a strong family history) deserve even closer attention, as the risk of developing single or even multiple melanomas in these individuals approaches 50% by age 50.

Causes of Dysplastic Nevi

Common Causes of Dysplastic Nevi :

• In 10-15% patients, the main cause of developing dysplastic nevi is a heredity problem.
• The older peoples are more prone to get affected by dysplastic nevi.
• Most people have about 10 to 40 common moles on their body. People with more than 100 moles are at a larger risk for developing dysplastic nevi.
• People with light skin who generally get sunburn very easily are more likely to develop dysplastic nevi than white people who have more pigment.

Symptoms of Dysplastic Nevi

Some common Symptoms of Dysplastic Nevi :

• It is dry, rough to the touch and sensitive.
• It is inflamed and surrounded by redness.
• The lesion comes and goes in the case of dysplastic nevi.
• It occasionally itches and causes a pricking/burning sensation.

Treatment of Dysplastic Nevi

• Treatment of dysplastic nevi is done by destroying the abnormal cells . This is usually done by freezing the skin with liquid nitrogen at the doctor's office.
• Self-examination at home is critical for detecting early changes. Photographs can be helpful as well.
• People at higher risk for dysplastic nevi should minimize exposure to other risk factors associated with it. For example, during the summer one should use a good sunscreen lotion of minimum SPF-15 and wear a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Radiation therapy is most common in these cases. The amount of sessions required is small in comparison to other forms of cancer it consists of a small beam aimed directly at the lesion to kill the cells that are affecting the area.
• Other techniques include using a prescription cream (5-flurouracil) on the abnormal skin.
• The dysplastic nevi can be treated by the procedure as - surrounding skin and irregular mole are cleaned and a small amount of lidocaine (Novocain, or similar) is injected shallowly into the skin. The mole is then gently cut out.

Home | Drugs | Contact Us | Skin Disorders | Home Remedies | Diabetes | Health Blog
Copyright © HealthAtoZ.info All Rights Reserved.