Dysplastic nevi are distinctive cutaneous nevomelanocytic lesions that can be recognized clinically and histologically. They were first described as markers of risk for
melanoma in members of hereditary
melanoma-prone kindreds. Subsequently, they have been discovered in a significant fraction of patients with sporadic
melanoma, and in apparently normal members of the community. It is likely that they constitute markers of risk for
melanoma in these populations as well, but that the risk is much less than in members of
melanoma-prone kindreds. Beyond their role as risk markers, there is evidence that
dysplastic nevi may act as precursors of some
melanomas. Thus, their recognition offers an opportunity for analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms in cutaneous
melanoma. Most
dysplastic nevi, however, are completely stable over long periods of observation. Since up to 5% or even more of the population may bear one or more of these common lesions on their skin, it is important that the profession does not create an epidemic of
cancer-phobia by over-emphasizing the significance of a
dysplastic nevus. Patients with
dysplastic nevi should adopt sensible patterns of
skin care.