Atypical Moles

What does an atypical mole look like?

An atypical mole may:

• Be larger than an ordinary mole
• Have an irregular or uneven shape
• Have a blurred or notched border
• Contain tan, brown, pink, red or other colors
• Have a darker raised center
• Look different from the surrounding moles

Atypical moles commonly develop on the trunk but may appear anywhere, including areas that receive little sunlight.

Appearance alone cannot reliably determine whether a mole is benign, atypical or cancerous.

Does an atypical mole mean I have melanoma?

An atypical mole is not the same as melanoma. Most remain harmless and never become cancerous.

However, patients with numerous atypical moles may have a higher overall melanoma risk. The level of risk also depends on factors such as personal history, family history, ultraviolet exposure and the total number of moles.

This makes regular monitoring important.

What changes should I watch for?

Use the ABCDE warning signs:

• Asymmetry
• Irregular border
• Multiple or changing colors
• Increasing diameter
• Evolution over time

Also watch for an “ugly duckling,” meaning a mole that looks different from the rest.

Schedule an examination if a mole:

• Changes noticeably
• Begins itching or hurting
• Bleeds or crusts
• Develops a new raised area
• Appears for the first time in adulthood and continues changing
• Looks different from your other moles

How are atypical moles evaluated?

Your dermatologist will examine the mole and may use a dermatoscope to view structures beneath its surface.

Clinical photographs or total-body photography may be recommended for patients with many moles. These images allow the skin to be compared over time.

A biopsy is performed when a mole has concerning features or cannot be confidently identified as benign. The removed tissue is examined under a microscope to determine whether atypical cells or melanoma are present.

Do all atypical moles need to be removed?

No. Removing every atypical mole is not generally necessary and cannot eliminate the possibility of developing melanoma elsewhere.

A mole may be removed when:

• It has concerning clinical features
• It is changing
• The diagnosis is uncertain
• A previous biopsy shows changes that require additional removal
• It is repeatedly irritated

Your provider will explain whether observation or removal is appropriate.

Schedule an atypical-mole evaluation

Regular examinations are especially important for patients with numerous unusual moles or a personal or family history of melanoma. The Dermatology Clinic can evaluate individual spots, document the skin and recommend an appropriate surveillance schedule. Contact us today to get scheduled.