Although, having dysplastic nevi, rises the risk for melanoma diagnosis, a small number of dysplastic nevi may develop into melanomas.
Acctually, most dysplastic nevi never become cancerous, and many melanomas arise without a pre-existing dysplastic nevus.
People with dysplastic nevi appear to have at least a 6 percent lifetime risk of melanoma (individuals with 10 or more of dysplastic nevi have 12 times the risk of developing melanoma as members of the general public).
Dysplastic nevi, usually, resemble melanoma with their characteristics, so, it is important to be checked regularly by dermatologist.
Examination of nevi with a dermoscope, an instrument that magnifies the internal structure, helps for achieving the right diagnosis (it is not necessary to remove those dysplastic nevi that do not display signs of melanoma).

You also need to take in other factors. Like are you fair skinned, have you ever had a bad sunburn at a young age, is there a family history of skin cancer, etc.

30 years ago my father was dx with melanoma and with proper treatment it was taken care of however over the past several years it has come back and most recently he was told that the mole on his chest is definately cancer but my father refuses to have it removed...he is absolutely terrifed because he has waited so long and now lives in denial.

I on the other hand am fair skinned, had several bad burns, first one at 18...over the past couple of years...have had approx 8 moles removed...two have come back dysplastic which are known to turn into melanoma but as stated in the previous post...not all dysplastic moles are melanoma but when you take personal history, etc...then one must be an advocate for their own health.

Don't panic, however be proactive and don't ignore your health as my father has decided to do (he's in his late 60's).

~Zig

I don't have fair skin, in fact I used to tan when I was a kid. But I have had bad sunburns in recent years and my back and shoulders are covered with moles. In fact, that is one thing that most drs who examine me for the first time tell me to do - keep an eye on them.

My dermatologist said she's most concerned about the ones on my right shoulder. I was also adopted so I don't know my family history. I'll see what happens next month when I go to the hospital to be examined.