dysplastic nevus syndrome (inherited familial atypical mole & melanoma syndrome)

Epidemiology

• accounts for 8-12% of melanomas

Diagnostic criteria

• occurrence of melanoma in 1 or more 1st or 2nd degree relatives; at least 2 relatives; dysplasic nevi in other relatives
• large number of nevi (often > 50), some of which are atypical (often variable in size, color & outline)
• nevi that show histopathologic abnormalities, including melanocytic atypia

More general terms

• hereditary neoplastic syndrome; cancer susceptibility syndrome

Additional terms

• dysplastic (Clark's) melanocytic nevus
• melanoma