many new nevi at age 40

[TyCashe]

Hi,  I am a 40 year old male with a history of sun exposure, sunburns and tanning bed use (none recent).  In the past eight months i have developed about 30 new (what appear to be) melanocytic nevi.  These new lesions coincided with the discontinuation of the anti physcotic drug risperidone after four years use.  I have seen two different dermotolgists and had a total of four biopsies since february of this year.  They have come back as a compund nevus, a junctional nevus, seborriac keratoses and an irritated nevus.  Neither of my doctors offered any answer as to why I would develop so many new nevi in a such a short period of time.  Based on what I've read new nevi should be slowing down not increasing at my age.  The new nevi is spread throughout my body but twelve of them exsit on the left side of my neck.  Based on pictures these nevi were definately not present a year ago.  A new one has just appeared on the left side of my neck literally overnight in the past few days.  Can you maybe shed some light on what may be going here?  Could it have anything to do with the sudden discontinuation of risperidone?  Also as a result of stopping that med in the past eight months I have lost 77 of the 87 lbs i gained while taking it, could that be of signifigance?  Having a family history of melanoma (my dad) I am a bit concerned.  Many thanks!  Matt

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm afraid I can't shed much light on your question.  At least one of the spots taken off was not a mole (the seborrheic keratosis.)  I also can't think of any connection with your stopping medication.  It isn't all that uncommon to get new moles up through age 50.  I think sun protection, and regular surveillance, both of which  you're already practicing, are all you can and need to do.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[TyCashe]

Thank you Dr Rockoff