Abstract
Background Dysplastic nevi with severe atypia (severely dysplastic nevi [SDN]) are frequently re-excised because of the concern that these lesions may in fact represent early melanoma. Data on long-term follow-up of these patients are limited. Objective We sought to determine the rate of subsequent melanoma development in patients with SDN who underwent re-excision versus those who did not and to determine factors associated with decision to re-excise. Methods A retrospective single institutional study was conducted with 451 adult patients (mean age 41.3 years) with SDN biopsied between November 1994 and November 2004, with clinical follow-up of at least 5 years. Results In 451 patients with SDN, re-excision was performed on 36.6%. Two melanomas were diagnosed in the re-excision specimens. Subsequent metastatic melanoma developed in 7 patients, all of whom had a history of melanoma. Margin comments influenced decision to re-excise. Limitations This was a retrospective study at a single institution. Conclusion Re-excision of all SDN may not be necessary.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 244-249 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- dysplastic
- melanoma
- nevus
- pigmented lesion
- re-excision
- severe atypia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology