Most patients with melanoma had few nevi and no atypical nevi, according to a survey of 566 individuals with melanoma.

Investigators surveyed participants within 3 months of biopsy. They counted and categorized total nevi and atypical nevi at the first visit post-diagnosis.

Among the results:

• Two-thirds of total nevi were classified as 0 to 20, 21% 20 to 50, and 13% more than 50.

• About three-fourths of patients had no atypical nevi, 15% had 1 to 5, and 12% had more than 5.

• Those younger than 60 years with more than 50 total nevi were 68% less likely to have thick melanoma; those with more than 5 atypical nevi were nearly 2.5 times as likely to have thicker melanoma vs those with no atypical nevi.

Citation: Geller A, Mayer J, Sober A, et al. Total nevi, atypical nevi, and melanoma thickness: An analysis of 566 patients at 2 US centers. [Published online ahead of print March 2, 2016]. JAMA Dermatol. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.0027.