My 21-year-old daughter has had three mildly dysplastic moles. Is it serious?

Q. Are the mildly dysplastic and atypical moles on pathological examination concerning?

Answered by
Dr. Shanza Ikram
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on May 11, 2023 and last reviewed on: Sep 25, 2023

Hi doctor,

My 21-year-old daughter has had three dysplastic moles. They are mildly dysplastic. In the interim between having her yearly body check and going in for stitch removal, she was picking at what she thought was a small pimple or ingrown hair on her hip. She could not really see it, so after picking on it, she sent me a picture. I told her to have a dermatologist look at it. The dermatologist said it did not look like much in the picture. She was confused that it was actually the same area. So she biopsied it, and the pathology report was brief and basically said it was atypical, and that is all. We were told it could be nothing or could be anywhere in the range of melanoma. They sent it in for a FISH test which will not be back for four weeks. She has her graduation school interviews this month, she is freaking out, and I am trying not to. I have attached the picture she sent me mid-picking, but not when she went to the dermatologist when the dermatologist said it looked like nothing. What is your opinion?

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your case in detail and saw the picture (attachments are hidden to protect the patient's identity). It is good that you have already got the FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) test done, as one should be very careful in case of dysplastic moles. You need to make it clear that picking as such does not alter the pathology. It means it cannot convert into a malignancy. Sometimes biopsies are not descriptive as well, but the FISH test will be more reliable. In my opinion, any lesion or mole which undergoes the following changes should be taken as a dangerous lesion:

  1. Asymmetry.
  2. Change in color.
  3. Change in size.
  4. Ulceration or itching.

Unfortunately, this lesion looks slightly asymmetrical to me, which could be taken as a dangerous lesion. But this is my clinical opinion, and diagnosis can only be confirmed on a biopsy or FISH test. Just be patient. Try to relax her. I am not trying to scare you, but my duty is to tell you the fact. Just wait for the report and hope for the best.

Kind regards.


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Moles - Causes, Types and Treatment

.. information about a mole known as nevus, its causes, types, and treatment .. ...   Read full

I have a new mole with a small hair growth. Does it look concerning?

.. your pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your concern may be acquired compound nevus or melanocytic nevi with dysplastic changes since there is no clear margin. It is advisable to have a histopathological examination of the mole   Read full

I have brown color patches. Is it acanthosis nigrican?

2) Apply Dermocalm lotion (Calamine (anti-itching agent) and Light liquid paraffin) after bath for ten days ...   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Dermatologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.