If you have abnormal moles, it may not necessarily mean you’re at risk for skin cancer.
“There are some patients who fall into the category of atypical mole syndrome,” says Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. That’s usually someone who has more than 50 moles, with at least five being clinically atypical–meaning they are large, irregular, and/or have multiple colors. These people are at a slightly increased risk of melanoma, says Dr. Larocca.
An atypical mole may be one of three types:
- Mild: Commonly, these are moles that are slightly darker than the surrounding skin and have a smooth surface; Rarely signifies melanoma
- Moderate: Also common, these moles may show some signs of being atypical according to the ABCDEs
- Severe: These moles are usually very irregular with multiple patches of color and may have changed in appearance over time; High risk for melanoma
If it’s moderately to severely atypical, it could suggest that the mole may one day become a melanoma. Severely atypical moles usually require a biopsy to ensure they aren’t cancerous. A pathologist will examine the sample to determine if the mole contains cancerous cells.
It’s important to remember that not all atypical moles are cancerous, but it’s best to have any mole that is changing, bleeding, or growing checked by a dermatologist.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca is a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Read More
If you have abnormal moles, it may not necessarily mean you’re at risk for skin cancer.
“There are some patients who fall into the category of atypical mole syndrome,” says Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. That’s usually someone who has more than 50 moles, with at least five being clinically atypical–meaning they are large, irregular, and/or have multiple colors. These people are at a slightly increased risk of melanoma, says Dr. Larocca.
Read More An atypical mole may be one of three types:- Mild: Commonly, these are moles that are slightly darker than the surrounding skin and have a smooth surface; Rarely signifies melanoma
- Moderate: Also common, these moles may show some signs of being atypical according to the ABCDEs
- Severe: These moles are usually very irregular with multiple patches of color and may have changed in appearance over time; High risk for melanoma
If it’s moderately to severely atypical, it could suggest that the mole may one day become a melanoma. Severely atypical moles usually require a biopsy to ensure they aren’t cancerous. A pathologist will examine the sample to determine if the mole contains cancerous cells.
It’s important to remember that not all atypical moles are cancerous, but it’s best to have any mole that is changing, bleeding, or growing checked by a dermatologist.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca is a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Read More
