The dangers of atypical mole (dysplastic nevus) syndrome. Teaching at-risk patients to protect themselves from melanoma.

Everyone with atypical mole syndrome is at increased risk for malignant melanoma. Care of these patients should focus on lowering this risk and on early detection and treatment if melanoma develops. Prophylactic excision of all atypical nevi is not recommended. Patients should be warned of the potential hazards of sun exposure, educated in methods of protecting themselves and their children from the sun, and encouraged to do monthly skin self-examinations. Total-skin examinations at regular intervals should be performed by a physician in patients with atypical mole syndrome. Frequency depends on the specific risk factors, but a total-skin examination should be completed at least once each year, beginning around puberty, and should be continued for life.