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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Junctional atypical nevus
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Junctional atypical nevus
by stiinta, May 27, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, I am a 31 year old woman, with fair skin and some sunburn in the childhood. Recently I had a mole removed and the pathological report said:
"A melanocytic proliferation is present, whereby melanocytes are dispersed both singly and in nests along the dermal epidermal junction. Some upward scatter of melanocytes is seen, in addition to extension down appendageal structures.Melanocytes
are demonstrating some cytological atypia with hyperchromasia of nuclei and cytoplasm pigmentation.
Tha features of this biopsy are those of an atypical junctional nevus. The proliferation is extending to the margin of the submitted tissue, and MORE COMPLETE REMOVAL IS RECOMMENDED
DIAGNOSIS: Nevus pigmentosus, junctional, atypical
The doctor removed it again and it came back clean.
My questions:
-Was this a mild, moderately or severe atypia?
-Is this something that was very dangerous?How close it was to actually being a melanoma?
- Am I at a very high risk of developing melanoma in the future? (I do not have a family history of melanoma)
How would you rate my risk compared to a normal person?
-What should I do to avoid developing melanoma?If I get checked every six months, is that enough to ensure that the cancer is detected early enough?
I know these are a lot of questions, but I am really scared right now and I would really appreciate your help.
Thank you
"A melanocytic proliferation is present, whereby melanocytes are dispersed both singly and in nests along the dermal epidermal junction. Some upward scatter of melanocytes is seen, in addition to extension down appendageal structures.Melanocytes
are demonstrating some cytological atypia with hyperchromasia of nuclei and cytoplasm pigmentation.
Tha features of this biopsy are those of an atypical junctional nevus. The proliferation is extending to the margin of the submitted tissue, and MORE COMPLETE REMOVAL IS RECOMMENDED
DIAGNOSIS: Nevus pigmentosus, junctional, atypical
The doctor removed it again and it came back clean.
My questions:
-Was this a mild, moderately or severe atypia?
-Is this something that was very dangerous?How close it was to actually being a melanoma?
- Am I at a very high risk of developing melanoma in the future? (I do not have a family history of melanoma)
How would you rate my risk compared to a normal person?
-What should I do to avoid developing melanoma?If I get checked every six months, is that enough to ensure that the cancer is detected early enough?
I know these are a lot of questions, but I am really scared right now and I would really appreciate your help.
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 28, 2006 12:00AM
, May 28, 2006 12:00AM
I have to say that I find it perplexing that you're asking me these questions rather than the doctor who performed the biopsy and presumably gave you the report.
The pathologist did not say what degree of atypia was found. The report does nit sound alarming to me, though. Pathologists often suggest a conservative removal, just to make sure it could never turn into anything, although--and this is crucial--it is not the least bit certain that it ever would anyway even if left alone.
I can't comment on your overall melanoma risk, since I don;t know what your skin type and other moles are like. (Again, you should be asking your doctor these questions.) I will say that having an atypical mole does not in and of itself increase your risk very much.
As for prevention, just use common sense: minimize unprotected sun exposure and get yourself examined once a year or so.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
The pathologist did not say what degree of atypia was found. The report does nit sound alarming to me, though. Pathologists often suggest a conservative removal, just to make sure it could never turn into anything, although--and this is crucial--it is not the least bit certain that it ever would anyway even if left alone.
I can't comment on your overall melanoma risk, since I don;t know what your skin type and other moles are like. (Again, you should be asking your doctor these questions.) I will say that having an atypical mole does not in and of itself increase your risk very much.
As for prevention, just use common sense: minimize unprotected sun exposure and get yourself examined once a year or so.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
