The word "dysplastic" has a specific meaning in medicine: alteration in size, shape and organization of cells.

A dysplastic nevus (atypical mole) is a nevus that is unusual in appearance due to its size, shape or color. Dysplastic nevi are usually larger than common moles, with indistinct borders or a fried-egg appearance with distinct borders, and may range in color from tan to dark brown.

Dysplastic nevi appear on the skin beginning around the middle of the first decade of life.

It is important to know about dysplastic nevi because they can be a "marker" for increased melanoma risk. The risk is increased when (1) there is a family history of melanoma, (2) when there are numerous dysplastic nevi, and (3) when the skin is light-colored and heavily freckled due to excessive sun exposure.

See below for color photos of dysplastic nevi and dysplastic nevi biopsy sections.

Dysplastic Nevi

Multiple dysplastic nevi

Dysplastic nevus, Atypical nevus

Dysplastic nevus

Dysplastic nevus

Biopsy section, dysplastic nevus

Biopsy section, dysplastic nevus