Compound nevus with moderate atypia

Question

I went to my derm 2 weeks ago insisting she biopsy a new 1mm mole. she performed a shave biopsy. it is compound nevus w Moderate atypia. The nurse mentioned the cells looked inflamed on the slides. the remainder will be excised since there were not clear margins from the shave. I'm not too paranoid considering I am 24 with virtually 0 moles on my body, but I am wondering if this is a common pathology? I also feel scared that the pathology will change after more skin is removed and tested. Help?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to go over your test results. Moles can be removed with laser, radiowave or shave. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thornwell H. Parker, III, MD · Answer

A nevus is a mole.  A dysplastic nevus is an atypical mole.  Many people have atypical moles...I have atypical moles.  The more atypical the "clinical" appearance, the more likely a doctor will biopsy it.  Then, in a pathology lab, a doctor determines the "histologic" appearance and diagnosis by using a microscope.  
A nevus with "mild atypia" or a "dysplastic nevus, mild" is very common.  Many skin specialists would not pursue any additional treatment
A nevus with "moderate or severe atypia" or "dysplastic nevus, moderate or severe" or "highly unusual features" or "severely atypical architecture" is a little more concerning.  Many skin specialists would recommend removing a small margin of additional skin to reexamine in the laboratory and prevent recurrence.  Thankfully, the majority of these reexaminations do NOT show more aggressive features.  Less commonly, reexamination will reveal a melanoma.
Our goal is ensure that melanomas are detected early and removed before they become deeper and aggressive.  Removing moderate or severe nevi usually gives us peace of mind, most often confirming the absence of any melanoma.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

In our office, we will do an excision with suture closure to get clear margins for all moles that have moderate to severe atypia. After that, we follow all of our "atypical mole" patients by doing full skin examinations every six months.

Compound nevus with moderate atypia

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Compound nevus with moderate atypia

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.