Atypical Moles

Definition

Atypical moles is a disorder of the skin characterized by the presence of many mole-like tumors. The skin cells that produce pigment i.e. melanocytes, which sometimes group together to form moles. But sometimes melanocytes can form abnormal moles, which are generally called as atypical moles. These moles are not malignant themselves, but their presence is a warning of an inherited tendency to develop melanoma.

Atypical mole on the skin, have some features that are same as melanoma such as: an irregular border, slight variation in color, or asymmetry. Generally most of the people people have 10-20 moles over their bodies. But People with this disorder found to have more than 100 moles, at least some of which are unusual in size and structure. They are usually larger than normal moles and have irregular borders. These type of moles are generally seen on the back but may appear anywhere on the body, including below the waist, on the scalp, on the breasts or buttocks. There are chances that they may fade into surrounding skin into a flat portion.

Causes of Atypical Moles

Causes of atypical moles are as:-

• Fair skin person are more likely to develop the atypical moles.
• Atypical moles runs in families that is they may be inherited from the family members such as parents to their children.
• Patients with a family member with the atypical moles are at an increased risk of melanoma.
• The main reason may be exposing the skin to sunlight. But can also appear on the skin which is covered from the skin.
• The disease generally appear sporadically or in a regular fashion.
• Weakened immune system is also a reason for development of the disease.

Symptoms of Atypical Moles

The Symptoms of Atypical Moles includes as:

• They are generally not present at birth but develop sometime later.
• Atypical moles can be tan to dark brown or on a pink background or can look like beauty marks.
• The moles are characterized by irregularity around the borders generally the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
• They can also protrude like a bump on a witch's chin.
• Non uniform Color:The pigmentation is not uniform .Shades of tan, brown is there. Change in color from edges to the surrounding skin give a indication of early melanoma.
• A red peripheral hue is also present.

Treatment of Atypical Moles

Treatment of Atypical Moles includes as:

• If any member is having developed the disease, every other member should go for a complete skin checkup once in a year regularly.
• 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.
• Safest way to remove an atypical mole is to cut it out but it may leave a permanent scar.