Atypical nevus has repigmented in one month. Is this concerning?

Question

I went to the derm for a one month follow up (to actinic keratosis on face) and asked her to look at a new 4mm mole on my back (wasnt there last yr). She did a shave biopsy as it met ABCDE criteria. Results were mildly atypical (both architectural and cytologic). This is my second mole with that result. Returned at one month post for yearly exam and P.A . says repigmented and needs excision (in 3 wk @ f/u for 2nd freezing of facial AK). How concerned should I be? What questions should I ask?

Ken Landow, MD · Answer

without a history (personal or family) of melanoma...nothing needs to be done...these only uncommonly become more abnormal and lead to problems...there's a tendency for some pathologists to interpret so many moles as atypical...you probably could safely monitor the area for changes...a picture is a good way to achieve this goal...if the site changes, obviously something needs to be done, otherwise it's generally very safe to use "watchful waiting" as an option...on the other hand, if you're uncomfortable with the area or the thought, it's okay for peace of mind to have the lesion removed...best

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

In my office, for
a mildly atypical mole we will observe the area and, if any pigmentation recurs
in the biopsy site in the future, a very small excision is done, usually with a
small punch biopsy tool, for a minimal scar.

Atypical nevus has repigmented in one month. Is this concerning?

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Atypical nevus has repigmented in one month. Is this concerning?

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