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ATYPICAL MOLE SYNDROME

This is a group of the individuals with more moles than usual with an increased risk of developing melanoma (moles becoming cancer).

The patient has many moles that look very varied in appearance.  Many consider this as the hallmark of the condition. In contrast to a cancerous mole that looks like a " ugly duckling " among the other  moles, the patient with atypical moles has all of them look different.

The moles are multicolored, variegated and borders appear indistinct.  There may be few or even hundreds.

Skin biopsy is needed in suspicious moles to make the distinction.

Patients with a family member with melanoma and the atypical moles are at an increased risk of melanoma.

The entire skin should be examined not forgetting scalp, eyes, palms, soles and buttocks.  Patients may maintain records of their moles dividing their body into regions – scalp, neck, chest, back, abdomen, upper arms, thighs, legs, feet, hands.  This is done every 3 months.

Avoidance of sun exposure and sunscreens help to prevent and reduce the risk of melanoma.

the link below is for general moles and not specifically atypical moles