Dysplastic Moles

I have a lot of moles on my body, they have been present my whole life. I have had five removed so far, and all have been benign. I'm a nurse, so I know what melanoma looks like, but still my dermatologist has me frightened. I went in for a prescription for acne medicine and he took out a flash light and started looking at my skin. It was the first time I saw this particular dermatologist. He wants me to come back to remove three moles to "start with." Again, these moles have always been present and have not changed. He says they are dysplastic. I know that due to my heredity and other genetic traits I am at high risk for melanoma, but this just seems very aggressive. Honestly, if they wanted to remove them all, they might as well just skin be because I have a ton. I think it is unrealistic to remove them all and better for me to watch them for changes. Does anyone think this is far to aggressive? Should I cancel my appointment and just watch my skin for changes? My fiance is a nurse too, so he can look at the ones I am unable to on my back.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Melanoma has an irregular border, is asymmetrical, uneven color and increasing in size. If you notice changes in the mole's/mark’s color, height, size or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have it checked if it bleeds, oozes, itches, appear scaly, or become tender or painful. Otherwise it should be left as such. You can get one biopsied to confirm the diagnosis.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.