Atypical Moles and History of Tanning - Melanoma Panic?

Question

I am a 29 year old female with a caucasian mother and bi-racial father, no known history of melanoma in the family (unsure of dysplastic nevi) but a history of indoor tanning. I have brown hair and eyes and tan easily but I have freckles and about 100 moles. I had about 12 biopsies so far because my moles are tiny but very dark. Out of those biopsies 2 came back moderately dysplastic (mild arch.). Are dysplastic nevi very common? I am freaking out about my risk.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Atypia is not uncommon, but dysplasia can be a risk factor for cancer progression.  I would avoid sun tanning any further and maintain close vigilance of future moles. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Daniel Berg, MD · Answer

Atypical nevi are not uncommon and are not the same as melanoma.  Several risk factors exist that increase your risk of getting skin cancer, including fair skin type and family history. Having multiple moles also increases the risk.  These are risk factors but do not mean that you will get skin cancer.  If you were to develop skin cancer, most of these are treatable if caught early...

	You can reduce your risk of having problems by learning to do skin self exams and watch for changing or new moles.   I would also recommend having regular checkups by a dermatologist and inquiring about having the dermatologist use photography to document your moles and help pick up new or changing moles at your visit.

Stephen Mandy, MD · Answer

The single most important factor in melanoma risk is a strong family history.  Red hair, blue eyes and a great deal of prior sun are additional risks.  Patients with dysplastic nevi are probably at somewhat greater risk than the general population, however a direct correlation is not clearly established because the definition and determination of "dysplastic" is not black and white.  I would suggest annual skin checks with your dermatologist, and consider "mole mapping"( computerized photography ) or use of Melafind at their recommendation if it will ease your concerns.

Atypical Moles and History of Tanning - Melanoma Panic?

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Atypical Moles and History of Tanning - Melanoma Panic?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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