Atypical Moles - Symptoms and Treatment

Atypical moles also called as Clark's nevi or dysplastic nevi, is a disorder of the skin characterized by the presence of many mole-like tumors. The skin cells that produce pigment i.e. melanocytes, which sometimes group together to form moles. But sometimes melanocytes can form abnormal moles, which are generally called as atypical moles. These moles are not malignant themselves, but their presence is a warning of an inherited tendency to develop melanoma. A When looking at an atypical mole on the skin, one will see some of the features that one sees when looking at melanoma such as: an irregular border, slight variation in color, or asymmetry. Generally most of the people people have 10-20 moles over their bodies. But People with this disorder found to have more than 100 moles, at least some of which are unusual in size and structure. They are usually larger than normal moles and have irregular borders. These type of moles are generally seen on the back but may appear anywhere on the body, including below the waist, on the scalp, on the breasts or buttocks. There are chances that they may fade into surrounding skin into a flat portion. People suffering from atypical mole are at a greater risk of developing cancer of the skin in the form of malignant melanoma. Also known as Clark`s nevi or dysplastic nevi, these moles are considered to be precancerous and they are more likely to convert into melanoma. Most of the experts are of the opinion that an atypical mole is at a higher risk of converting into melanoma as compared to a normal mole. A change in the appearance of the moles must be taken seriously by the patients as it may be an indication of onset of cancerous disease. Although the initial diagnosis is based on physical examination but a biopsy is required to be done in order to make the precise diagnosis.

Atypical Moles is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Atypical Moles may occur to the people at any age. While atypical moles are considered to be pre-cancerous (more likely to turn into melanoma than regular moles), not everyone who has atypical moles gets melanoma. In fact, most moles both ordinary and atypical ones never become cancerous. Thus the removal of all atypical nevi is unnecessary. In fact, most of the melanomas found on people with atypical moles arise from normal skin and not an atypical mole. Also people with atypical moles should have annual eye exams, as ocular melanoma is also a big risk in these cases. One should be followed closely with a very low threshold to biopsy any lesion remotely suspicious. Getting detailed body photographs are an excellent way to follow moles to see if any are changing.

Causes of Atypical Moles

Common causes and risk factor's of Atypical Moles include the following : -

• The tendency to develop atypical moles is inherited (runs in families).
• Fair skin person are more likely to develop the atypical moles.
• Patients with a family member with the atypical moles are at an increased risk of melanoma.
• The main reason may be exposing the skin to s unlight. But can also appear on the skin which is covered from the skin.
• The skin is light-colored and heavily freckled due to excessive sun exposure.
• Numerous dysplastic nevi are present.

Symptoms of Atypical Moles

Some common Symptoms of Atypical Moles :-

• A red peripheral hue is also present.
• They can also protrude like a bump on a witch's chin.
• They are generally not present at birth but develop sometime later.

Treatment of Atypical Moles

• Avoid over-exposure to sunlight or UV light which are found be the main cause of the disease.
• The patient should always consult doctor for the treatment.
• If any member is having developed the disease, every other member should go for a complete skin checkup once in a year regularly.
• Use sunscreen daily on epxposed skin areas.
• The only safe way to remove an atypical mole is to have it cut out. The specimen is then sent to the pathologist to be analyzed under the microscope. Removing an atypical mole leaves a permanent scar.
• Cutting out parts of the mole above and beneath the surface of the skin can leave a scar more noticeable than the mole.

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