What is atypical mole syndrome?

What is atypical mole syndrome?

Atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, are unusual-looking moles that have irregular features under the microscope. Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer.

Is atypical mole syndrome hereditary?

Is atypical mole syndrome hereditary? Yes, it is a hereditary condition; however, it may also occur sporadically with no family history. What are the symptoms of atypical mole syndrome? There may be no symptoms at all with atypical mole syndrome, other than the appearance of the moles themselves.

How serious is an atypical mole?

These moles are not cancerous, and need not be removed if they are not changing. Instead, atypical moles can be a sign of an increased risk for melanoma skin cancer. Therefore, people with atypical moles are recommended to have regular skin checks with a doctor.

When should atypical moles be removed?

The greatest risk of melanoma is in patients who have more than 50 atypical moles and two or more family members with melanoma (familial atypical mole and melanoma syndrome). Atypical moles should be removed when they have features suggestive of malignant transformation.

Can atypical moles be benign?

Atypical moles are benign pigmented lesions. Although they are benign, they exhibit some of the clinical and histologic features of malignant melanoma. They are more common in fair-skinned individuals and in those with high sun exposure.

What percentage of atypical moles are cancerous?

Risk Factors Keep in mind some moles that look abnormal turn out to be fine, while some that look fine are found to be atypical. The risk of an atypical mole becoming cancerous is about 1%, compared to . 03% for an ordinary mole.

What are the stages of atypical moles?

There are 3 stages of atypia: mild, moderate, and severe. While an atypical mole is NOT skin cancer, these lesions DO have a higher probability of continuing to develop in an atypical fashion into skin cancer, specifically melanoma.

How long does it take an atypical mole to turn into melanoma?

Characteristics of Normal Moles, Atypical Moles, and Melanomas