What does moderately atypical mole mean?

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.

What does an abnormal mole biopsy mean?

An abnormal mole could be a melanoma symptom, or it could be benign, meaning it’s not cancerous. To determine what type of cells make up the mole, the dermatologist will remove the mole for a biopsy. “A skin biopsy is usually a straight-forward procedure,” says Saira George, M.D., MD Anderson dermatologist.

Is an abnormal mole always melanoma?

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.

Can abnormal 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 biopsied moles are cancerous?

Lab testing showed that more than 90 percent of biopsied moles were completely removed by using the single procedure, with 11 (7 percent) diagnosed as melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer.

What percentage of atypical moles are cancerous?

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.

How many mole biopsies are cancerous?

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests around 7% of suspicious mole removals are cancerous. This number drops when accounting for all moles removed, as most are benign (non-cancerous).

What happens when a mole biopsy comes back abnormal?

If the biopsy shows a mildly or moderately atypical mole, and it has been removed fully, no further treatment is needed. Moles that are severely atypical under the microscope may need a slightly wider surgery to ensure that they do not grow back.

What percentage of biopsied moles are melanoma?

Can a mole look like melanoma but be benign?

Funny-looking moles may look like melanoma but are actually harmless (benign) spots that don’t need to be removed. However, if you have a few, particularly five or more of these funny-looking moles, your chance of getting a melanoma is increased.

Should I be worried about mole biopsy?

When you notice a concerning rash or mole on your skin, the body’s largest organ, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist to have it evaluated. Sometimes after checking the area, your dermatologist may recommend a skin biopsy. Skin biopsies are an important part of verifying a diagnosis.

What percent of biopsied moles are cancerous?

Should you have an atypical mole removed?

A: Atypical moles should be removed. If a mole has been diagnosed pathologically as atypical, whether moderate or severe, it definitely should be removed – and totally with clear margins. The findings indicate an abnormality that can ultimately progress to a melanoma which can be lethal. An atypical mole is not lethal.

Are atypical moles a sign of melanoma?

Although moles in themselves are not bad or dangerous, or a sign of disease, atypical moles can display some of the signs of melanoma and it can be difficult to know when to worry about a funny-looking mole on your skin. Normal and atypical moles very rarely turn into melanoma.

What is an abnormal mole?

An abnormal mole is a sign that to pay attention to. When there are changes to the appearance of a normal mole, we shouldn’t ignore it. Any mole can turn into melanoma or skin cancer. A mole is a grouping of pigmented cells.

What is irregular mole?

Blurred, jagged, or irregular borders are a sign that the mole could be cancerous. If the edges of your mole are uneven, it is good to have it checked out by a doctor. The image on the left shows a mole with defined borders while the mole image on the right has irregular and uneven borders.