What does moderate cytologic atypia mean?

Moderate cytologic atypia is defined as melanocyte nuclei as large as basal keratinocytes (1-2 times the size of basal keratinocyte nuclei), hyperchromatic, ellipsoid- or rhomboid-shaped, with a small nucleolus visible in the center of the nucleus, typically extending throughout the lesion..

What is a severely atypical nevus?

A severely dysplastic nevus is indistinguishable from early melanoma. Very often these lesions show considerable irregularity of edge and irregularly irregular colour. The differentiation between a moderate and severely dysplastic nevus is one of degree. Mildly dysplastic nevi can be observed.

Is atypical nevus cancerous?

These moles are not cancerous, and need not be removed if they are not changing. Instead, atypical moles can be a sign of an increased risk for melanoma skin cancer. Therefore, people with atypical moles are recommended to have regular skin checks with a doctor.

Can a nevus turn into melanoma?

Can a dysplastic nevus turn into melanoma? Yes, but most dysplastic nevi do not turn into melanoma (1, 3). Most remain stable over time.

What does no atypia mean?

(ay-TIH-pee-uh) State of being not typical or normal. In medicine, atypia is an abnormality in cells in tissue.

How serious is dysplastic nevus?

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are unusual-looking moles that have irregular features under the microscope. Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer.

What does atypical melanoma look like?

Atypical moles can also be flat or raised. They also have these characteristics: They measure more than 1/4 inch (5 mm) across — larger than the size of a pencil eraser. They are irregularly shaped, with uneven borders that may fade into the skin around the mole.

Can a nevus become malignant?

A small percentage of dysplastic nevi may develop into melanomas. But most dysplastic nevi never become cancer, and many melanomas seem to arise without a pre-existing dysplastic nevus.

What do you mean atypia?

What is the significance of atypia?

Our study confirmed that the diagnosis of atypia is clinically significant because it is associated with a high probability of malignancy. No morphological criterion is able to reliably differentiate benign and malignant lesions in cases diagnosed with atypia.

What does no cytologic atypia mean?

A benign nevus is read as (or understood as) having no cytologic or architectural atypia. An atypical mole is read as having architectural atypia, and having (mild, moderate, or severe) cytologic (melanocytic) atypia.

What is severe atypia?

Severe atypia: nuclear enlargement to two times or greater the size of the nuclei of the keratinocytes of the stratum spinosum, prominent nucleoli, abundant granular to dusty (due to fine melanin granules) cytoplasm.

What is dysplastic or atypical nevus?

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are unusual-looking moles that have irregular features under the microscope. Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. An atypical mole can occur anywhere on the body.

What are atypical melanocytes?

Atypical melanocytes are pigment-producing cells with an abnormal appearance. They are usually identified during a physical examination when a doctor notes an unusual skin lesion and can be examined by a pathologist in a laboratory setting to learn more about what is going on inside the cells.