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Moles Atypical nevi – Epidemiology

Atypical nevi are best regarded as part of a continuum between benign and malignant melanocytic neoplasms. The likelihood of an individual atypical nevus subsequently developing into melanoma cannot be estimated, although the risk of an individual [with atypical nevi can be estimated. The lifetime risk of melanoma for the population born in the 2000 is estimated at 1.3%. The lifetime risk of melanoma for persons with atypical nevi, but without family history of melanoma, has been estimated at 6%. This risk increases to 15% in patients with atypical nevi and a family history of melanoma. Persons with the familial atypical nevus syndrome have a 150-fold greater risk of developing melanoma by age 70 than the general population. This risk increases to a 500-fold greater risk if the patient has already had a melanoma. Thus the lifetime risk approaches 100% by age 70 in patients with the familial atypical nevus syndrome.