Atypical mole (dysplastic)
This type of mole can look like melanoma. It is not melanoma. But you have a higher risk of getting melanoma if you have:
- 4 or more atypical moles
- Already had a melanoma
- A first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child ) who had melanoma
Your dermatologist may call an atypical mole a dysplastic (dis-plas-tic) nevus. Atypical moles are often:
- Larger than an eraser on the end of a pencil
- Have an odd shape (not round)
- Show more than 1 color mixes of tan, brown, red, and pink
Atypical moles can appear anywhere on the body. They often appear on the trunk. And they may appear on the scalp, head, and neck. Atypical moles rarely appear on the face.
Some people who have many atypical moles have a medical condition called familial atypical multiple mole-melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome. People with FAMMM syndrome have:
- Many moles more than 50
- Some moles that are atypical
- A blood relative who has (or had) melanoma
Atypical moles. Melanoma can grow in an atypical mole. Anyone who has atypical moles, such as this patient, should watch their moles for change.
It is important to have Dr. McDonald check your skin for moles once a year. If you have a
history of any moles which developed into a skin cancer, you should be checked more often.
Congenital mole
When a person is born with a mole, the mole is called a congenital mole. Roughly, 1 out of 100 people is born with a mole. These moles vary in size from small to giant. Having giant congenital moles increases a person s risk of developing melanoma.