Atypical moles are skin growths that can appear different from common moles, making it important to understand their characteristics and when they might require medical attention. Recognizing these variations is key to maintaining skin health. While many moles are harmless, some atypical ones warrant closer observation due to their features, helping individuals and healthcare providers decide when evaluation is needed.
What Defines an Atypical Mole
An atypical mole, also known as a dysplastic nevus, is a skin growth with irregular features, distinguishing it from an ordinary mole. These moles are usually larger than typical moles, often exceeding 6 millimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a pencil eraser. Their shape is frequently asymmetrical, meaning one half does not mirror the other. The borders can be indistinct, hazy, or irregular, appearing notched or scalloped rather than smooth and well-defined.
The color within an atypical mole may not be uniform, presenting a mix of shades such as pink, red, tan, brown, or black. While some are flat, others can have a pebbly or slightly raised surface, and parts of the mole might be elevated above the skin. Dermatologists examine them closely due to visual similarities with melanoma, a more serious form of skin cancer. Atypical moles are generally benign, meaning they are not cancerous, but their presence can indicate an increased risk for developing melanoma.
When Removal is Recommended
The decision to remove an atypical mole often depends on its characteristics and changes over time. Dermatologists typically recommend removal if a mole shows signs of evolution, such as a change in size, shape, or color. New symptoms like itching, bleeding, crusting, or oozing from the mole are also significant indicators for removal. Moles in difficult-to-monitor areas, like the scalp, might also be recommended for removal to ensure changes are not missed.
A biopsy, which involves removing a sample of the mole for microscopic examination, provides detailed information about its cellular structure. If the biopsy reveals severe cellular atypia or features that closely resemble melanoma, further surgical removal with a margin of surrounding healthy skin is often advised. While most atypical moles do not become cancerous, having them increases an individual’s risk of developing melanoma, particularly if there are many such moles or a family history. For instance, people with 10 or more atypical moles have a significantly higher risk compared to the general population.
The Removal Procedure
Removing an atypical mole typically involves a minor surgical procedure performed in a doctor’s office. The most common method is surgical excision, where the mole and a small margin of surrounding healthy skin are cut out using a scalpel. Before the procedure, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, which may cause a brief pinch. During removal, patients generally feel pressure rather than pain.
After the mole is excised, the wound is usually closed with stitches, which may be dissolvable or require removal at a follow-up appointment. A bandage is then applied. The removed tissue is always sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. This step is important for confirming the diagnosis, assessing the degree of atypia, and ensuring all atypical cells have been removed.
Post-Removal Care and Monitoring
Proper care after mole removal is important for optimal healing and to minimize scarring. The treated area should be kept clean and dry, with specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding dressing changes. Mild discomfort, redness, or slight swelling can be expected initially, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid picking at any scabs, allowing them to fall off naturally to prevent infection and promote better healing.
Most mole removal sites heal within two to four weeks. Patients should limit strenuous activities that could stretch the skin or cause increased blood flow, as advised by their doctor. After healing, protecting the area from sun exposure with sunscreen and protective clothing is recommended to reduce scarring and skin damage. Regular self-skin exams and ongoing dermatological check-ups remain important for individuals with a history of atypical moles, enabling early detection of new or changing lesions.