What is the preferred terminology for dysplastic (atypical) nevi?

The terminology used for this lesion is the subject of controversy. The lesion was first described by Clark et al in 1978, and they used the term “B-K mole syndrome” to refer to the presence of multiple melanocytic lesions that had clinically and histologically distinct features in two families at increased risk of developing melanoma. Since then, various terms have been applied to describe this syndrome and its corresponding lesion, including the B-K mole, precancerous melanosis, atypical melanocytic hyperplasia, Clark’s nevus, active junctional nevus, and melanocytic nevus with architectural disorder and cytologic atypia. “Dysplastic nevus” was first coined by Green et al in 1980; however, some authorities have objected to this term and prefer “atypical nevus.” The recognition of atypical nevi in the nonfamilial setting has also been reported and termed sporadic dysplastic (atypical) nevi. More recently, an alternative term for dysplastic (atypical) nevi was proposed by a National Institutes of Health consensus group as “nevi with architectural disorder and cytological atypia.” The conference also recommended replacing atypical nevus syndrome with familial atypical melanocytic nevus syndrome. Despite their recommendations, this terminology has not been universally accepted among clinicians and pathologists.

Elder DE: Dysplastic naevi: an update, Histopathology 56:112–120, 2010.