Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Dysplastic nevus secondary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
It is recommended that people with dysplastic nevi check their skin once a month.
Secondary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
It is recommended that people with dysplastic nevi check their skin once a month. Patients should report if they see any of the following changes in a dysplastic nevus:
- The color changes
- It gets smaller or bigger
- It changes in shape, texture, or height
- The skin on the surface becomes dry or scaly
- It becomes hard or feels lumpy
- It starts to itch
- It bleeds or oozes
Individuals with dysplastic nevi should get their skin examined. Sometimes individuals or their doctors take photographs of dysplastic nevi so changes over time are easier to see. For individuals with many (more than five) dysplastic nevi, doctors may conduct a skin exam once or twice a year because of the moderately increased chance of melanoma. For individuals who also have a family history of melanoma, it is suggested a more frequent skin exam, such as every 3 to 6 months.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]