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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Dysplastic Nevi
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Dysplastic Nevi
by klukach, Mar 23, 2007 12:00AM
Dear Dr Rockoff,
I am a 29 year old female. I have 100+ moles. I have had two dysplastic nevi removed. Both Nevi were extremely itchy which lead me to the dermatologist. I had have more than 3 sunburns and used to lay out as a teenager. I now avoid the sun at all cost. There is not history of Melanoma in my family but both my father and grandmother have had Basal Cell. I get skin checks every year, I also do monthly checks myself.
I am extremely concerned and anxious regarding my risk of melanoma. I havel lost sleep over this.
I have several questions for you:
Is digital mole mapping a good idea for me?
How high is my risk for Melanoma?
Are the odds at beating such a terrible cancer good because I'm so proactive?
Would it be crazy to see my dermatologist twice a year opposed to once?
Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it.
Best regards,
Kelly
I am a 29 year old female. I have 100+ moles. I have had two dysplastic nevi removed. Both Nevi were extremely itchy which lead me to the dermatologist. I had have more than 3 sunburns and used to lay out as a teenager. I now avoid the sun at all cost. There is not history of Melanoma in my family but both my father and grandmother have had Basal Cell. I get skin checks every year, I also do monthly checks myself.
I am extremely concerned and anxious regarding my risk of melanoma. I havel lost sleep over this.
I have several questions for you:
Is digital mole mapping a good idea for me?
How high is my risk for Melanoma?
Are the odds at beating such a terrible cancer good because I'm so proactive?
Would it be crazy to see my dermatologist twice a year opposed to once?
Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it.
Best regards,
Kelly
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 25, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 25, 2007 12:00AM
Kelly:
You are doing all the right things.
Having lots of moles is a risk factor for melanoma, but not nearly as high as if you had a close relative (parent, sibling) who had melanoma (not just basal cell.)
It's not clear whether mole mapping really pays off. What I think you should do is see a dermatologist 2 or even 3 times a year, as much for your peace of mind as for surveillance. Many academic medical centers have what they call Pigmented Lesion clinics in their dermatology departments. Some of these use full-body photography, but in any case specialize in following people with lots of moles. If one is available near you, I think you'd benefit from consulting it. Just call Dermatology at a teaching hospital and ask if they have such a clinic. But even if not, careful watching by a dermatologist should take much of the burden, and anxiety, off you.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
You are doing all the right things.
Having lots of moles is a risk factor for melanoma, but not nearly as high as if you had a close relative (parent, sibling) who had melanoma (not just basal cell.)
It's not clear whether mole mapping really pays off. What I think you should do is see a dermatologist 2 or even 3 times a year, as much for your peace of mind as for surveillance. Many academic medical centers have what they call Pigmented Lesion clinics in their dermatology departments. Some of these use full-body photography, but in any case specialize in following people with lots of moles. If one is available near you, I think you'd benefit from consulting it. Just call Dermatology at a teaching hospital and ask if they have such a clinic. But even if not, careful watching by a dermatologist should take much of the burden, and anxiety, off you.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
