What is an abnormal nevus?

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are unusual-looking moles that have irregular features under the microscope. Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer.

What is a Clark’s nevus?

Atypical nevi, also called “dysplastic nevi” or Clark’s nevi, are acquired moles that have unusual features both in terms of how they look clinically and how they look when biopsied (removed and examined under a microscope). To the untrained eye, these moles can mimic a malignant melanoma.

Can compound nevus turn into melanoma?

Yes — but most dysplastic nevi do not turn into melanoma. Most types of atypical moles remain stable over time. Patients with five or more dysplastic nevi are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma than individuals with no atypical moles.

What percentage of dysplastic nevus becomes melanoma?

Congenital melanocytic nevi: Moles present at birth are called congenital melanocytic nevi. The lifetime risk of melanoma developing in congenital melanocytic nevi is estimated to be between 0 and 5%, depending on the size of the nevus.

How do you treat dysplastic nevus?

Surgical excision of the lesion with a 2- to 3-mm margin of normal skin followed by closure of the skin is the standard method for removal of a biopsy-diagnosed dysplastic nevus.

Can a nevus become malignant?

No. A dysplastic nevus is more likely than a common mole to become cancer, but most do not become cancer.

Should a dysplastic nevus be removed?

Dysplastic nevi can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild is closer to benign, while moderate to severe is closer to melanoma. When diagnosed, most dermatologists will recommend that severe dysplastic nevi be removed as a precaution.

How serious is dysplastic nevus?

Those diagnosed with dysplastic nevi have an excellent prognosis. However, if you have a history of dysplastic nevi you have a greater risk of developing melanoma in the future.

How big are Clark’s nevus on the body?

Clark’s Nevus is something that is often times hereditary. The symptoms of Clark’s Nevus usually start to appear while a person is in adolescence. The Nevi appear most often on the person’s chest, back, buttocks, abdomen and scalp. Clark’s Nevus are larger than more common forms of nevi; they average about one centime in size.

What’s the difference between nevi and Clark’s nevi?

Clark’s Nevus are larger than more common forms of nevi; they average about one centime in size. The nevi also vary in color shades of brown and tan. Sometimes, Clark’s Nevus present with an elevated and darker portion in the center with a flat and pale, fuzzy appearing border that gives the appearance of a, ‘fried egg.’

What kind of mole is Clark’s nevi?

Main Document. Clark’s Nevus, which is also referred to as, ‘dysplastic nevi,’ are moles that are considered to be pre-cancerous, or present a greater potential to turn into melanoma. When a person examines an atypical mole on their skin they will see some of the features that they would see when looking at melanoma.

What should I do if I have Clark’s nevus?

There are some different types of treatment for Clark’s Nevus that are available. People with this form of nevi should be routinely evaluated by a dermatologist once or twice each year, and use sunscreen on exposed areas of their skin. The one safe way to remove any atypical mole is to have it cut out.