Dysplastic nevus syndrome is also known as B-K mole syndrome, atypical mole syndrome, or familial atypical mole- melanoma syndrome. The U.S. National Institutes of Health prefers the latter term and defines the condition in its 1992 “Melanoma: Consensus Statement” as the “(1) occurrence of melanoma in one or more first or second degree relatives, (2) large numbers of moles, often greater than 50, some of which are atypical and often vary in size, and (3) moles that demonstrate certain distinct histologic features.” However, the semantics and definition of this disease are some of the most controversial and hotly debated issues in dermatology. The syndrome has been traced to an autosomal dominant allele mode of transmission. In addition to genotypic diathesis, the actual display of the syndrome may occur during puberty under the influence of provoking conditions such as solar radiation, hormones, and altered host immunity.
A hereditary syndrome distinguished by the existence of numerous unconventional-looking moles, frequently manifesting at an early stage of life.