Dysplastic Nevi

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

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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