What are Dysplastic Moles and Do They Turn into Melanoma?

In this video, Melissa Wilson, MPAS, PA-C, Melanoma Lead at UPMC Cancer Center and AIM at Melanoma's Ask A Medical Expert, explains what a dysplastic nevus is, how it's diagnosed, do dysplastic moles turn into melanoma, how you develop it, and what should you do if you have one.
The information in this video is correct as of 1 August 2022.
For more information about melanoma or to ask Melissa a question, visit: www.aimatmelanoma.org/
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[@Deba7777]

Thank you very much, that was a very helpful presentation!

[@Naevi]

Great informative video. Thank you for that. I´m a patient with dysplastic nevi syndrome and have hundreds of moles and several mole surgeries, too.

[@claytonhubbard612]

Maybe explain NEOPLASM OF UNCERTAIN BEHAVIOR VS. DYSPLASTIC NEVUS in a way we can understand

[@hortonsstuff6948]

I diagnosed with melanoma stage in August of 2022 on left rib cage, just had two moles removed like you have described, I have a lot on my back

[@datsuntoyy]

I had one on my chest for years. One day my wife said it's getting bigger and a bit irregular. I went to the dermatologist who biopsied it. I got a call a week later. "It's a severely dysplastic Nevis. It's not cancerous, but you need to have it removed. NOW" I'll never forget the "NOW" part. I now have a 2" scar under my left nipple. Inside of 3 months, I had 3 tumors removed. All of different typed and locations. I have a fourth to be removed soon. I guess I'm prone (FAP) as I had 14" of my colon removed due to polyps also.

[@moonstoe]

Thank you ❤

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

You're welcome 😊

[@brendaechols5929]

Just had one removed in-between my toes. A spot that people normally dont look at. I know i had it for a long time. But when i was scratching my toe i looked at it and it was a little darker since the last time i looked. Thank God i got it looked at it and removed. I just had a bad feeling about it.

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

it's so important to pay attention and follow the ABCDE's of melanoma

[@franciscorilla2736]

Hi Melissa Thank you very much for this excellent video. You are a master !!! Very much clear for me right now Kind regards from Germany Francisco

[@emilyschmidt6483]

Hi Melissa. I just had a shave biopsy on my foot that came back as severely dysplastic. Removal was early August and my excision surgery is scheduled for September 26th. What is the risk of waiting over a month in between biopsy and excision? I’m anxious that I’m waiting too long. Additionally, I know severely dysplastic isn’t classified as melanoma, but is it smart to do any CTs or lymph node checks to be on the safe side?

[@trevor_6620]

Hi I hope you’re doing well now but to follow up with that last question I don’t think that would be necessary since the nevus isn’t cancerous

[@attheranch873]

Where are the pictures?

[@Irishrose5424]

I just had a atypical mole removed from my shoulder. First they did the punch biopsy and 3 stitches. Then went in to get those stitches removed. Dr read me the results of that pathology report and they did an excision which resulted in 24 stitches total 12 or so under the skin and then 12 on top of my shoulder. I get the stitches out next Monday and it is healing nicely. I will say this. Please know when you go in to get the biopsy and or excision. They numb you up with lidocane and some other stuff. they will use a cauterization tool to stop any bleeding. The smell is not a pleasant one and also what they dont tell you is after the fact your pain meds wear off. You are gonna hurt. Take a tylenol before that wears off. Ice will also help with inflammation as the site will swell naturally and bruising will be present. I hope that is all for me I try to keep covered and or wear sunscreen when I am outside. This mole was probably from before I was so conscious about wearing sunscreen. Doc told me I will have checks in 3 mos then in 6 then a year.

[@southernreign1]

Can you do a video on how to properly do a self examination for those with many-many of moles in-between dermatologist screenings? And how to do self nevus photo mapping? I have thousands of atypical moles. I feel my dermatologist is overwhelmed with my skin screenings.

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Absolutely. That's a great idea

[@robinlane5i174]

Do dysplastic nevus change in color/shape over time? Like a few month period?

[@FromTheClinicToTheLivingroom]

Robin, please reach out melissa with your question here:www.aimatmelanoma.org/support-resources/talk-to-a-medical-expert/

[@tanyailoveny1176]

Removing atypical mole in two days. Scary .

[@southernreign1]

Update?

[@tanyailoveny1176]

@@southernreign1 they removed everything. But scar looks ugly. Didn't hurt at all.

[@brendaechols5929]

Just had this done. Peace of cake. I'm just glad I got it looked at.

[@claytonhubbard612]

Instead of using the word atypical, which isn’t a word that everybody uses in my world why don’t you just call it not normal. What is so hard about saying not normal. I mean the medical community is already complicating as it is why do y’all have to use terms that nobody understands?