The detection and management of dysplastic nevi and early melanoma.

Worldwide, the incidence and mortality rates for melanoma are increasing at an alarming rate. Recently, the recognition of dysplastic nevi as markers and potential precursors for melanoma has identified one group of individuals with an increased risk to develop this disease. Close surveillance of these individuals should improve the ability of clinicians to detect melanoma at an early stage when surgical excision of the primary tumor is curative in the majority of patients.