Mole, Atypical (Atypical Nevus)

Who's At Risk?

• Atypical moles may occur at any age and in all ethnic groups.
• Atypical moles frequently run in families.
• People with atypical moles may also have a family history of melanoma.

Signs & Symptoms

• Atypical moles may appear anywhere on the skin. The lesions can vary in size and/or color.
• Atypical moles can be larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm) and may have variations in color within the lesion, ranging from pink to reddish-brown to dark brown.
• Atypical moles may be darker brown in the center or on the edges.
• People with atypical-nevus syndrome may have hundreds of moles of varying sizes and colors.

Self-Care Guidelines

• Protective measures, such as avoiding skin exposure to sunlight during peak sun hours (10 AM to 3 PM), wearing protective clothing, and applying high-SPF sunscreen are essential for reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Monthly self-examination of your child’s skin is helpful to detect new lesions or changes in existing lesions.
• Be sure your child’s atypical moles are not signs of melanoma. Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma lesions:
  A – Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not mirror the other half.
  B – Border: The borders are irregular or vague (indistinct).
  C – Color: More than one color may be noted within the mole.
  D – Diameter: Size greater than 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) may be concerning.
  E – Evolving: Notable changes in the lesion over time are suspicious signs for skin cancer.

Treatments

• Biopsy or surgical removal (excision) may be done so the mole may be examined by a specialist (pathologist) to determine the actual diagnosis. This procedure may be performed by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other type of surgeon.
• As noted previously, people with multiple moles and atypical moles should be followed regularly by a dermatologist. Whole-body photography or photographs of individual moles may be helpful in following these people.

Visit Urgency

• The occurrence of a new pigmented lesion in a child is common.
• It may be difficult to tell an atypical mole from a normal mole, so seek medical evaluation for your child if you are unsure about the nature of a mole or if you note changes within a mole.
• The doctor may recommend a biopsy or surgical removal (excision) of unusual-appearing moles to find out whether or not your child has atypical moles or melanoma.

Trusted Links

• Clinical Information and Differential Diagnosis of Nevus, Atypical

References

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.17, 1770. New York: Mosby, 2003.