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Suggest Treatment For A Dysplastic Mole In Irregular Size On The Back
Question: I have a history of dysplastic moles. I went to the doctor and she said that with a recent mole that was biopsied (but the report was not received) that a mole on my back had a new irregular border. Does that mean in one month (my most recent visit prior to this one) the mole has turned into a melanoma. I am a nervous wreck. the doctor went on vacation.
Brief Answer:
Could be just a dysplastic nevus Or an early melanoma
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). i have gone through your query and i have noted your concern
Dysplastic moles already have some of the atypical features like bigger size, irregular size, shape, color and / or margins which makes it difficult to distinguish between a dysplastic mole and an early melanoma i.e both may look similar on clinical examination. Only a biopsy would be able to distinguish this with certainty. The fact is that most dysplastic moles never turn into melanoma. Nevertheless they should be watched for and any dysplastic mole which appears sufficiently doubtful or has recently changed should be biopsied and confirmed whether it is just a dysplastic mole or turned into an early melanoma. Both can look similar on visual inspection. Therefore the mole which she biopsied may be a dysplastic nevus but since she believes it has changed and therefore unable to distinguish whether it is still just a dysplastic mole or an early melanoma, therefore she biopsied.
Regards
Could be just a dysplastic nevus Or an early melanoma
Detailed Answer:
hello. thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). i have gone through your query and i have noted your concern
Dysplastic moles already have some of the atypical features like bigger size, irregular size, shape, color and / or margins which makes it difficult to distinguish between a dysplastic mole and an early melanoma i.e both may look similar on clinical examination. Only a biopsy would be able to distinguish this with certainty. The fact is that most dysplastic moles never turn into melanoma. Nevertheless they should be watched for and any dysplastic mole which appears sufficiently doubtful or has recently changed should be biopsied and confirmed whether it is just a dysplastic mole or turned into an early melanoma. Both can look similar on visual inspection. Therefore the mole which she biopsied may be a dysplastic nevus but since she believes it has changed and therefore unable to distinguish whether it is still just a dysplastic mole or an early melanoma, therefore she biopsied.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I go to the dermatologist every month for an exam.She just noticed that the border had changed. It was sent for a biopsy. Is it true or fallacy that a melanoma takes 90 days to appear. If it is an early stage melanoma can there be a cured without a problem of its spreading throughout the body. I am so nervous and scared because of my history of dysplastic nevus syndrome (Clark's syndrome). thank you.
Brief Answer:
Screening for melanoma increases chances of early detection
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Patients with lots of dysplastic nevi have a higher risk of melanoma as compared to those who don't and the purpose of screening is to detect melanoma at an early stage when it is localized and excising it would be 100% curable. An early melanoma just needs to be excised with a bit of surrounding normal skin to take it out completely. Screening improves chances of early detection of melanoma. Biopsy of any suspicious moles is the next logical step of screening and confirming, so you should not worry. You should continue with screening and your doctor would remove any suspicious moles if and when they arise. Stay way from sun. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day on all exposed parts.
Regards
Screening for melanoma increases chances of early detection
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Patients with lots of dysplastic nevi have a higher risk of melanoma as compared to those who don't and the purpose of screening is to detect melanoma at an early stage when it is localized and excising it would be 100% curable. An early melanoma just needs to be excised with a bit of surrounding normal skin to take it out completely. Screening improves chances of early detection of melanoma. Biopsy of any suspicious moles is the next logical step of screening and confirming, so you should not worry. You should continue with screening and your doctor would remove any suspicious moles if and when they arise. Stay way from sun. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day on all exposed parts.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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