Atypical Nevus
A nevus is the medical term for a mole; an atypical nevus is an abnormal mole that may be considered pre-cancerous in that it may have a higher risk than a normal mole of developing melanoma skin cancer. Atypical nevi may have some of the ABCD characteristics of melanoma such as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation and large diameter. When biopsied, the cells and architecture of an atypical nevus when viewed under a microscope may share some features of melanoma skin cancer. If the pathologist determines that the mole is only mildly atypical, the biopsy site can be monitored and further removal is warranted only if the mole grows back. Moles that are determined to be moderately or severely atypical should be completely excised to remove any remaining atypical cells. Patients with one or more atypical nevi have an increased risk of developing melanoma and/or additional atypical nevi in the future and should be screened regularly by us.
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A nevus is the medical term for a mole; an atypical nevus is an abnormal mole that may be considered pre-cancerous in that it may have a higher risk than a normal mole of developing melanoma skin cancer. Atypical nevi may have some of the ABCD characteristics of melanoma such as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation and large diameter. When biopsied, the cells and architecture of an atypical nevus when viewed under a microscope may share some features of melanoma skin cancer. If the pathologist determines that the mole is only mildly atypical, the biopsy site can be monitored and further removal is warranted only if the mole grows back. Moles that are determined to be moderately or severely atypical should be completely excised to remove any remaining atypical cells. Patients with one or more atypical nevi have an increased risk of developing melanoma and/or additional atypical nevi in the future and should be screened regularly by us.
Return to Medical Services
2809 N. Sepulveda Blvd
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
P:(310) 802-8180
F:(310) 802-8150
Suite A
Manhattan Beach
CA 90266
P:(310) 802-8180
F:(310) 802-8150