Atypical Moles - Symptoms & Treatment

Atypical moles are also referred to as Clark's nevi or dysplastic nevi which are made up of a particular type of cell, and the name is used to distinguish them from other, similar appearing fleshy growths. Moles vary in size from small dots to more than 1 inch in diameter. They may be flat or raised, smooth or rough and may have hairs growing from them. Moles usually are easily recognized by their typical appearance. They do not itch or hurt, and they are not a form of cancer. Larger than normal moles (more than a half inch across), atypical moles are not always round. Atypical moles can be tan to dark brown, on a pink background. Nevi (moles) can look like beauty marks or they can protrude like a bump on a witch's chin (common nevus). Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number you have may change throughout life. New moles can appear into mid-adulthood, and because moles last about 50 years, some moles may disappear as you age. The great majority of moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.

Moles are small growths on the skin that develop from pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. They typically appear as dark brown spots on the skin that are either flat or raised. Most people have benign moles, which are harmless. Melanocytic naevi may be present at birth but more usually begin to grow during childhood although new ones can appear at any age, sometimes in crops. Early naevus cells form nests on the junction between the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and the dermis (inner layer) so are known as junctional naevi. These are flat colourful moles. With maturity, nests of naevus cells can also form in the dermis or may only be found in the dermis (intradermal naevi). These naevi are thickened and often protrude from the skin surface. Non-pigmented dermal naevi may also be called cellular naevi. Heavily pigmented dermal naevi appear blue ( blue naevi ).

Causes of Moles

Find common causes and risk factors of Moles :

• Weakened immune system i s also a reason for development of the disease.
• Atypical moles runs in families that is they may be inherited from the family members such as parents to their children.
• The main reason may be exposing the skin to s unlight. But can also appear on the skin which is covered from the skin.
• Patients with a family member with the atypical moles are at an increased risk of melanoma.

Signs and Symptoms of Moles

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Bump
• Red
• Tan to dark brown .

Treatment for Moles

Treatment may include:

• 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.