Can Re-exision for a Moderate Atypical Mole Be Postponed a Few Months?

A dysplastic nevus is a biologically BENIGN lesion. Since it is not a malignancy or even pre-malignant, re-excision can be delayed indefinitely. The only reason for re-excison is because of an association between having multiple dysplastic nevi and melanoma. There is no proof that a single dysplastic nevus will become a malignancy. So the answer is, you can absolutely wait to have the excision after your pregnancy and breast feeding.

You are safe to wait until after delivery for excision of a dysplastic nevus. We do not think these "funny moles" change rapidly and they don't all get worse. Removal within a month or two of delivery should be fine

In our office we get to see lots of newborns as their mothers bring them in where they sleep or just sit there watching while we work on mother. Take care!

 

Usually a few months delay is safe for moderately dysplastic nevus re-excision.  However, this type of lesion has atypical cells which can progress to melanoma.  So as soon as possible after delivery, I would recommend you have it completely removed. 

A moderately atypical mole is a precancerous growth and absolutely needs to be re-excised to insure the complete removal of the entire growth. However, since it is pre-cancerous and is typically slow growing, you can safely wait until after the delivery to have the procedure done. I always do an excision with suture closure to get clear margins for all moles that have moderate to severe atypia. Because of the increased risks, I also follow all of our "atypical mole" patients by doing full skin examinations every six months. I recommend you see a board certified dermatologist for both your surgery options as well as your follow-up examinations twice yearly.