dysplastic nevus


dys·plas·tic ne·vus

a nevus exceeding 5 mm in diameter, with irregular, indistinct, or notched borders and mixed tan-to-black and pink-to-red color. Microscopically these are basally nested and scattered intraepidermal melanocytes with hyperchromatic nuclei larger than those of basal keratinocytes. If multiple and associated with a family history of melanoma, these nevi have a high risk of malignant change, but isolated dysplastic nevi in the absence of a family history of melanoma are less frequently premalignant.
See also: malignant mole syndrome. Synonym(s): dysplastic nevus syndrome See: dysplastic nevus syndrome.

dysplastic nevus

Dermatology A premalignant skin lesion characterized by irregular, > 5 mm in diameter macules numbering from a few to hundreds with a central papule, variegated dark color and lenticular changes

dys·plas·tic ne·vus

(dis-plastik nēvŭs) Skin malformation exceeding 5 mm in diameter, with irregular, indistinct, or notched borders and colored tan-to-black and pink-to-red.