Dysplastic Nevi

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So what are dysplastic nevi, you ask?

Wikipedia describes them as such: A dysplastic nevus (also known as a: Atypical mole, Atypical nevus, B-K mole, Clark's nevus, Dysplastic melanocytic nevus, Nevus with architectural disorder[1]) is an atypical melanocytic nevus;[2] a mole whose appearance is different from that of common moles. Dysplastic nevi are generally larger than ordinary moles and have irregular and indistinct borders. 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 nevi can be found anywhere, but are most common on the trunk in men, and on the calves in women. In 1992, the NIH recommended that the term "dysplastic nevus" be avoided in favor of more descriptive language.According to the National Cancer Institute, doctors believe that dysplastic nevi are more likely than ordinary moles to develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. However, currently, most dermatologists do not believe that dysplastic nevi develop into melanomas.[citation needed] But individuals with multiple dysplastic nevi are at much higher risk for developing melanomas. Because of this, moles should be checked regularly by a doctor or nurse specialist, especially if they look unusual; grow larger; or change in color, or outline; or if any changes occur.








Dysplastic nevus syndrome" refers to dysplastic nevi with familial malignant melanoma, or risk factors for it.[10] Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition which causes the person to have a large quantity of nevi (moles), often 100 or more. There is a propensity for these nevi to become dysplastic in these individuals. Dysplastic nevi are a precursor to malignant melanoma, and these patients are therefore at a higher risk of developing this malignant form of skin cancer.[11] A slight majority of melanomas do not form in an existing mole, but rather create a new growth on the skin. Nevertheless, those with more dysplastic nevi are at a higher risk of this type of melanoma occurrence.[12][13] Such persons need to be checked regularly for any changes in their moles and to note any new ones. In 40-50% of cases, the disorder has been linked with germline mutations in the CDKN2A gene, which codes for p16 (a regulator of cell division).
So yes, I am just a lovely little ball of these lovely growths. :(


So the skin saga is still ongoing and today I went into for 3 excisions. Well, I only ended up being able to get two done because the doctor didn't feel comfortable giving me three large incisions on one day. Let's just say this was about as unpleasant of an experience as I have had thus far. I got poked 7 or 8 times with the needle full of burning lidocaine in just one spot. When it finally came out, she had taken about a 2 inch by 2 inch spot in my left abdomen. I have no idea how many stitches there are under the bandage, but it is quite a few.

The second excision was on my right areola. Can anyone please say OUCH and scream really loudly for me because I really wanted to and didn't? The shots of lidocaine for that one were excrutiating. The doctor removed an 8mm x 8mm cyst with a punch biopsy technique and then sewed me up. That one is really buggin' right now. Not sure how I am going to sleep tonight since I am a side sleeper and my left side is all buggered up with the excision from the nevus and my right boob is all buggered up from the excision of the cyst.

So please say a little prayer for me. I have to go back on Feb 17 to have the other dysplastic nevus removed that came back bad last month and will likely have to have some other growth removed then, too.