We diagnose and provide an atypical mole removal procedure here Vujevich Dermatology Associates.
What Is an Atypical Mole?
Before we start to discuss atypical mole removal, you’d probably like to know what makes a mole atypical. An atypical mole, also known as a dysplastic nevus, is a mole that looks unusual and has irregular features under a microscope. Atypical moles can occur anywhere, and their appearance varies.
Is an Atypical Mole Precancerous?
No, atypical moles are not precancerous. However, people with atypical moles are more likely to contract melanoma. Those with more than 10 atypical moles are 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. This is why it is important to schedule a yearly skin cancer screening. You and your dermatologist are more easily able to monitor your moles and any changes that might have occurred over the last year.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between an Atypical Mole Vs Melanoma?
There are four types of moles you should know how to identify so that you are able to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist when appropriate. These moles are:
- Congenital Moles - Moles you were born with
- Dysplastic Nevi - Atypical moles
- Acquired Nevi - Moles that appear after you are born
- Spitz Nevi - Moles that look similar to melanoma, but are benign
So, what does an atypical mole look like? These moles are usually larger than the eraser on a pencil, but are usually not round, lending to the ‘atypical’ part of their name. Atypical moles are a mix of different colors, including tan, brown, pink, and red. While atypical moles can appear anywhere on the body, they are most often found on the body, scalp, or head, but do not usually appear on the face.
Atypical moles are not a cause of concern, but they should be watched as melanoma can develop in atypical moles. To know if melanoma has started to develop, it’s best to know what your moles look like. When melanoma develops, moles often change size, color, and shape. The ABCDEs of moles can help you identify if a mole is melanoma.
ABCDEs of Moles
- Asymmetry - each half of the mole looks different
- Border - borders are often uneven and can be scalloped or notched looking
- Color - changes in color, including becoming red, white, or blue
- Diameter and Dark - if a mole is larger than ¼ inch or darker than the others it should be checked for melanoma
- Evolving - any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or if new symptoms, such as crusting or bleeding
If you’re unsure whether your mole is normal, atypical, or melanoma, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
Should an Atypical Mole Be Removed?
Yes, you should have an atypical mole removal procedure conducted if your dermatologist identifies your mole as atypical. It’s important to have atypical moles removed as they often look like melanoma and there is a chance that melanoma can develop in atypical moles. A biopsy will be conducted as part of the atypical mole removal procedure to examine the mole for any cancerous cells.
Atypical Mole Removal Procedure
It’s best to see a dermatologist for mole removal. A dermatologist can help control infection risk, minimize scarring, and prevent loss of movement due to scarring.
How dermatologists conduct an atypical mole removal procedure depends on the type of removal method used. No matter the method though, the area surrounding the mole is numbed. Once numbed, one of the following three methods is used for atypical mole removal:
- Shave Biopsy - a blade is used to shave off the mole and the surrounding skin
- Punch Biopsy - a tool is placed on the mole and it “punches” the mole out
- Scalpel Removal - a scalpel is used to remove the mole and surrounding skin. Stitches are used to help the skin heal properly with this method.
Atypical mole removal is low risk, but there is a small chance a scar will be left. You can reduce these chances by properly caring for the area following the atypical mole removal procedure. This includes avoiding the sun while the area heals, limiting the amount of stretching to the skin, and keeping the wound clean.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates has highly trained, board-certified dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons to perform mole removals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists for a skin cancer screening or atypical mole removal.