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A related category of melanocytic proliferation is superficial atypical melanocytic proliferations of uncertain significance (SAMPUS). This category, unlike MELTUMP, which implies as yet undetermined potential for metastases even after complete excision, signifies lesions without metastatic potential at time of excision but with potential to ...
Dysplastic nevus syndrome is a largely hereditary condition that causes a person to have a large quantity of moles (often 100 or more), with some larger than normal or atypical. This often leads to a higher risk of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. [10] Dysplastic nevi are more likely than ordinary moles to become cancerous.
In addition to melanoma, individuals with the condition are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis of dysplastic nevus syndrome is based on clinical presentation and family history. Treatment consists of resection of malignant skin lesions (melanoma).
If you have risk factors and significant sun damage, your dermatologist may suggest more frequent exams than once a year; typically, patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer get an in ...
A dermatoscope must be used to detect "ugly ducklings" among those with light skin or blonde/red hair. People with a personal or family history of skin cancer or of dysplastic nevus syndrome (multiple atypical moles) should see a dermatologist at least once a year to be sure they are not developing melanoma.
However, a melanocytic nevus is benign, and melanoma is malignant. Most melanocytic nevi never evolve into a cancer, with the lifetime risk for an individual nevus being 1 in 3000 for men and 1 in 11 000 for women. [5] Moreover, dermatologists have a standardized system for determining whether a skin lesion is suspicious for malignant melanoma.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer; it develops from the melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes. [1] It typically occurs in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye (uveal melanoma). [1] [2] In women, melanomas most commonly occur on the legs; while in men, on the back. [2]
Skin cancers result in 80,000 deaths a year as of 2010, 49,000 of which are due to melanoma and 31,000 of which are due to non-melanoma skin cancers. [74] This is up from 51,000 in 1990. [74] More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States, which makes it the most common form of cancer in that country.