What Is An Atypical Mole?
Dermatologists often refer to an
atypical mole as a “dysplastic nevus.”
Dysplastic – Refers to an alteration in size, shape,
and cell organization.
Nevus (pl. nevi) – Refers to a Mole, and Moles can
be atypical, or dysplastic, due to variations in size, shape, or color.
Dysplastic nevi are usually larger than benign moles, have indistinct borders,
and range in color from tan to dark brown to black. Dysplastic moles can begin
to appear on the skin by age 5, and are increased, in some people, by the sun. Interestingly,
for some people, the sun causes freckles. However, in other people, the sun can
cause moles. Thus, some people are “freckle makers’” and some people are “mole
makers.” Dysplastic nevus syndrome is a condition that runs in families with
family members who have many atypical moles.
Dysplastic nevi also indicate an
increased risk for developing melanoma, and this risk increases when:
•
There is a family history of melanoma
•
There is a family history of dysplastic nevus
syndrome
•
Numerous dysplastic nevi are present
•
The skin is fair & heavily freckled due
to excessive sun exposure
Some people ask that their atypical moles be
mapped by photos. Dr. Jacobs believes that, if a mole looks bad enough to
photograph, rather than photography, the mole should just be biopsied for
microscopic evaluation. Yes, a biopsy can leave a small scar, but, removal of
an atypical nevus is the best way to prevent melanoma.
Following are
photos of actual atypical moles.
Photos also illustrate the “ABCD’s of
Melanoma Detection,” which are:
A –
Asymmetrical.
Dysplastic nevi tend to be asymmetrical. If
the lesion were folded in half, the two parts would not match.
B –
Border irregular. The borders tend to be poorly defined or have a fried-egg
appearance.
C – Color varies. An atypical nevus tends to have
more than one
visible color.
D – Diameter. While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters (size of a pencil
eraser) in diameter when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole
different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is
smaller than 6 millimeters, you should see a dermatologist.
S-
Signs & Sympyoms. A
mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size,
shape or color. If you have a mole that has any of the ABCD’s or looks
like any of those shown in these photos, it may be a dysplastic nevus and
should be examined by a dermatologist.
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