Is a Punch Biopsy Enough for a Dysplastic Nervus with Moderate Atypia?

Question

I had a punch biopsy done to remove a mole from my leg. The diagnosis was: "lentiginous junctional dysplastic nervus with moderate atypia, focally extending to the peripheral specimen margin". The doctor told me that the result is completely normal and that I don't need to have anything else done. Is is true that no other surgical excision is needed? Thank you very much.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

While this is benign pathology there is a description of atypical cells.  Rexcision to obtain clear margins would be recommended to be safe. Ongoing monitoring of moles is advised.

Gary Goldenberg, MD · Answer

Moderately dysplastic nevi (moles) should be excised. If the margins were clear, the punch biopsy would have been enough. But since the lesion extends to the margins, a simple re-excision should be performed.

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

In my practice, I routinely excise (cutting with sutures) a lesion (or the biopsy site of where the lesion was sampled)  that histologically displays "moderate atypia" and "extends to the peripheral specimen margin." The excision should be conservative as to spare healthy tissue but adequate so as to achieve clear margins.  Once a patient has a "dysplastic" or "atypical" mole, I recommend full body skin exams twice yearly (every 6 months). At this time, I suggest you consult with a well-trained, board-certified dermatologist to further treat this lesion and to do your twice yearly skin exams with.

Jacob Freiman, MD, FACS · Answer

Although biologically benign, most doctors agree that it is best to remove dysplastic nevi. A punch biopsy is only used for diagnosis but not treatement unless the lesion is so tiny that it is completely removed with the punch and does not come to the margin.

Lawrence Osman, MD · Answer

We routinely excise nevi with moderate or severe atypia in our practice until there are clear margins.  If we get a report back that states the lesion goes to the edge of the specimen, we would re-excise it.

Is a Punch Biopsy Enough for a Dysplastic Nervus with Moderate Atypia?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dysplastic Nevus with Atypia

Answer: Dysplastic Nevus with Atypia

Answer: Excise Moderately Atypical Moles

Answer: Excise Moderately Atypical Moles

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Is a Punch Biopsy Enough for a Dysplastic Nervus with Moderate Atypia?

Answers (7)

Answer: Dysplastic Nevus with Atypia

Answer: Dysplastic Nevus with Atypia

Answer: Excise Moderately Atypical Moles

Answer: Excise Moderately Atypical Moles

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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