Diagnosis on mole: hyper (plasis) with compound nevus

I am a 59 year old woman with a recent mole removed from left upper back and a "note" was sent to me from the doctor's office with the following diagnosis: atypical melanocytic hyperplasis with a compound nevus. The lesion needs immediate evaluation and possible treatment.
I tried to follow up from previous answers. The answers from Dr. Rockoff were wonderful.
1. What is the hyper (plasis) vs low, moderate, severe ?
2. "Compound" nevus
3. As others say, should I be very worried?  (I'm already scared.)
Thank you, el

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum again, El! We will give our best to help you this time as well.

- Hyperplasia is proliferation of cells beyond usual. Speed of growing can be slow or fast. It is something your physician probably asked you about (for example: when did you notice the change; could you describe its progression, etc.).

- Compound nevus is a benign lesion, type of mole.

- Diagnosis you were given is actually a description of a lesion that your doctor clinically analyzed prior to removing it. It says that there has been new development (change) in the area where you already had a mole. Dermatologists are very devoted to ruling out melanoma, as soon as possible, whenever there is something atypical in regards to moles. You should not be scared. This is standard procedure. As you know, early detection, diagnosis and treatment (if required) of any skin change is very beneficial.



Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic