Atypical Mole (Dysplastic Nevus) Syndrome

Sahil Mullick, FAAFP, MD and Farzad Effan, MBBS Reviewed 05/2023

BASICS

Atypical mole syndrome (AMS), also known as dysplastic nevi syndrome (DNS), B-K mole syndrome, Clark nevi syndrome, or familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome, is a condition ...

DIAGNOSIS

AMS is a clinical diagnosis with various classifications schemes proposed. Although not widely accepted, diagnostic criteria, as defined by the NIH, require the three features of (i) maligna...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

No medications have been shown to treat AMS (8)[C].

ISSUES FOR REFERRAL

Routine skin exams for those patients at high risk for melanoma
Ophthalmologic exams for ocular nevi/melanoma...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Close follow-up with a dermatologist or other physician experienced with assessment of atypical nevi:

Total body skin exam (including nails, scalp, genital area, ...

REFERENCES

Goldsmith LA, Askin FB, Chang AE, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of early melanoma: NIH consensus development panel on early melanoma. JAMA. 1992;268(10):1...

ADDITIONAL READING

Fleming NH, Shaub AR, Bailey E, et al. Outcomes of surgical re-excision versus observation of severely dysplastic nevi: a single-institution, retrospective cohort study. ...

CODES

ICD10

D22.9 Melanocytic nevi, unspecified
D22.4 Melanocytic nevi of scalp and neck
D22.30 Melanocytic nevi of unspecified part of face
D22.5 Melanocytic nevi of trunk
D22.70 Melanocytic nevi of unspe...

CLINICAL PEARLS

In describing nevi, “atypical” is a clinical term, whereas “dysplastic” is a histologic term.
AMS is a risk factor for melanoma while most atypical moles/dysplastic nevi are not precurs...

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