Atypical Moles

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

Nevus is the medical term for mole. When your dermatologist is talking about 2 or more moles, your dermatologist may say nevi.

Your dermatologist may call your mole a nevus.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology