The prevalence of dysplasia and associated factors in patients with atypical melanocytic nevus

Melanocytic nevi or moles, are benign proliferations of melanocytes that can appear anywhere on the skin. While most atypical melanocytic nevi are harmless, some may develop dysplastic changes. This cross-sectional study assessed the frequency of dysplasia and related factors in patients with atypical melanocytic nevi. Seventy-one patients clinically suspected of having atypical nevi underwent biopsy. Diagnoses were confirmed by a dermatologist, and histopathological assessments were performed by a pathologist. Demographic and clinical data, including lesion location, were documented. The mean patient age was 42.47 ± 15.27 years; 42 patients were female. Sixty-five cases (91.5%) were confirmed as melanocytic nevi, while 6 cases (8.5%) were non-melanocytic. Dysplasia was found in 2 female patients (3.1%). Lesion distribution was predominantly on the head and face (63.1%), followed by the trunk (26.2%). These findings indicate that most clinically suspected atypical melanocytic nevi are benign, with a low rate of dysplasia in this sample.