Why Some Lipomas Need Removal While Others Can Wait
A lipoma might look like a tumor, but it’s actually just a benign mass of fatty tissue under your skin. Still, some lipomas need to be removed. Learn what kind of care your lipoma may need here.
Dysplastic Nevi vs Normal Moles: Spotting Critical Differences
Medical experts call moles nevi (or nevus, for a singular mole). You can have congenital nevi, or birthmarks, along with melanocytic nevi (normal moles). When you have a mole that isn’t like the other nevi on your body, doctors call it a dysplastic nevus.
A lot of dysplastic nevi are benign, meaning they don’t pose a threat to your health. Still, it’s well worth monitoring any atypical moles. Those irregularities could be markers of skin cancer.
At our office in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Ali Hendi, MD, and Kristina Lim, DO, can analyze your atypical moles and help you know what they mean for your overall health.
If you think you have a dysplastic nevus, and you live in the greater Washington, DC, area, northern Virginia, or the eastern shore of Maryland, come see our team of skin cancer specialists.
How do you know if you have this kind of atypical mole? Let’s walk through the differences between a normal mole and a dysplastic one.
Learning the ABCDEs of dysplastic nevi
It’s easy to remember the distinguishing characteristics of a dysplastic nevus using the first five letters of the alphabet. Watch out for:
- Asymmetry
- Borders that are uneven
- Color that doesn’t match your other moles
- Diameter of more than ¼ inch (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolution
That last reminder refers to watching for changes in your mole. If it’s getting bigger, changing color, or starting to bleed or crust, for example, it could be a sign of cancerous cells.
While the ABCDEs can be helpful, the main thing you should do is look out for moles that don’t match the other ones on your body. If most of your moles are light brown, for example, and you develop a black one, it’s worth watching.
If you just have one or two dysplastic nevi and they’re not really changing, you’re probably fine. It’s rare for these atypical moles to turn into skin cancer. But if you’ve got a lot of unusual moles, it’s absolutely worth coming in for a skin cancer check.
When dysplastic nevi need medical attention
The more dysplastic nevi you have, the higher your risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. If you have 10 or more atypical moles, experts estimate your melanoma risk increases by 12 times.
Dr. Lim or Dr. Hendi can evaluate your moles here at our office. They might have you monitor them for changes or recommend a biopsy to test the mole for the presence of cancerous cells. We’re here to help you take a proactive approach to protecting your skin — something that gets more important if you have dysplastic nevi.
To schedule a skin cancer screening, call our office at 301-986-1006 or book your appointment online today.
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