moles melanoma

Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome – More Moles!

Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome (DNS) is a condition which relates to having an abnormally high number of moles. 

It is also referred to as atypical nevus syndrome (ANS).

Definitions vary, but the ‘classical’ one is:

  • 100 or more moles – many more than normal
  • One or more mole over 8mm in size
  • One or more clinically atypical mole

A condition characterized by the presence of 100 or more moles on the upper trunk and limbs, at least 1 of which is dysplastic.

Increased Risk of Melanoma

If you have a higher number of moles, it is important to be aware that those with ‘dysplastic nevus syndrome’ are deemed to be at higher risk of melanoma than the general population.

According to the Aim at Melanoma Foundation (AIM), DNS increases the risk of melanoma:

  • People with acquired DNS (not inherited) and no family history of melanoma have an increased risk of developing melanoma themselves
  • People with inherited DNS and a family history of melanoma (2 or more two first-degree family members) have FAMM (Familial Multiple Mole and Melanoma) which means a very high risk of melanoma, up to 100% by age 80

Therefore if you have a lot of moles and a family history of melanoma, it is very important to be vigilant.

Mole Checks

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ team of mole removal doctors advocate regular self-checks to get to know your own moles and spot any worrying signs early.  This is recommended regardless of how many moles you have, age, skin tone or any other factor – but is especially vital where there is a known raised risk of melanoma.

Dr Ross Perry advises looking for the ‘ugly duckling’ syndrome – a skin lesion or blemish that simply looks wrong or different from the others. The ABCDE rule is a handy reference guide for mole checking.

Skin Surgery Laser Clinics

Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma using  freezing, laser or surgical techniques.

For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was founded in 2003 by Dr Ross Perry, a qualified and experienced London GP who has an excellent reputation in skin treatments and has removed thousands of lesions/blemishes in his career.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.