Question 1

how can i tell what an atypical mole is?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal Moles: People should tell their doctor if they notice any of the following changes in a common mole :
the color changes
the mole gets unevenly smaller or bigger (unlike normal moles in children, which get evenly bigger)
the mole changes in shape, texture, or height
the skin on the surface becomes dry or scaly
the mole becomes hard or feels lumpy
it starts to itch
it bleeds or oozes.

Question 2

can atypical mole be raise without flat edges?

Accepted Answer

Changes: Yes.
Changes in size, shape, irregular borders, coloration can all signifiy malignant change. See a dermatologist asap if you have mole changes.

Question 3

if a atypical mole is removed years ago and unsure if clear margins obtained...  would it have grown back by now and if not assume it was clear margin?

Accepted Answer

Contact you doctor: You can obtain a copy of the pathology report from your doctor. If you see any regrowth, you should have it seen by a doctor right away.

Question 4

had very slightly atypical mole shave biopsied. follow up in 6 mos, dr  said not to worry. 6wks, it's pink with a darker color in center. is this ok?

Accepted Answer

If benign - ok: if the pathology wa benign there are no medical concerns. However if you desire long term cosmetic correction, this may require complete excision

Question 5

if an atypical mole is growing will it definitely be malignant?  or can it increase in size for a while before it becomes malignant?

Accepted Answer

Don't take a chance!: An atypical mole by definition means that it looks abnormal under the microscope and has features that may be worrisome. However, if the mole is growing and is atypical it should be completely excised as soon as possible! it is important that you discuss this with your dermatologist. Melanoma is a serious cancer and if not removed early can be lethal.

Question 6

what is the difference between a severely atypical mole and melanoma?

Accepted Answer

The difference is...: That atypia in a mole (or nevus) is generally thought to represent a premalignant change but not an invasive malignancy. A melanoma is a malignant tumor that can invade surrounding tissue and metastasize (spread) to other organs and lymph nodes. The difference is premalignant vs. Malignant.

Question 7

ive had an atypical mole for years, and it has stayed the same size/color and irregular shape. never showing signs of changing. what signs should i be on alert for in regards to melanoma? especially considering it fits the asymmetrical symptom?

Accepted Answer

: Has a dermatologist examined this lesion and advised you about proper follow-up?  If not, I strongly recommend that you consult one. Melanomas are every tricky for physicians and,at times, for the dermatologist. I have even seen dermatologists miss the diagnosis. So stay vigilant and get evaluation &amp; advice from a specialist especially for an unusual appearing skin lesion.

Question 8

i have an atypical mole with a new black spot in the middle. my local dr can see me in 2wks, then another appt (presumably 2 wks later) if biopsy is needed, then 2 weeks for results they say. is this too slow? or can i wait 6 wks for a possible dx?

Accepted Answer

: You should see a dermatologist or the doctor who made the diagnosis of the atypical mole

Question 9

i had a slightly atypical mole shave-biopsied in april. will the dr re-biopsy it at 6-month follow-up? pink scar w/ slightly darker center.

Accepted Answer

SHAVED MOLE: THE DOCTOR WILL SEE IT AND DEPENDING ON THE RESULT OF THE BIOPSY, THE DOCTOR MAY JUST FOLLOW IT AT INTERVALS TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES.
IF IT IS BENIGN, PERHAPS NO MORE SURGERY WILL HAVE TO BE DONE.
NOT TO WORRY.

Question 10

can trauma cause moles or something looks like moles? i have something looks like atypical mole after i picking off a hard brown scale on my vulva.

Accepted Answer

Mouth lesion: Brown scale on uvula is atypical as the membrane is usually wet. The fact there was scaling and now a pigmented lesion merits a direct examination and possible biopsy. I f the lesion is there for more than few days do not mess with it , get it evaluated by ENT MD

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Doctor answers about:

Atypical mole

A member asked:

How can i tell what an atypical mole is?

A member asked:

Can atypical mole be raise without flat edges?

A member asked:

If a atypical mole is removed years ago and unsure if clear margins obtained... would it have grown back by now and if not assume it was clear margin?

A member asked:

Had very slightly atypical mole shave biopsied. follow up in 6 mos, dr said not to worry. 6wks, it's pink with a darker color in center. is this ok?

A member asked:

If an atypical mole is growing will it definitely be malignant? or can it increase in size for a while before it becomes malignant?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a severely atypical mole and melanoma?

A member asked:

Ive had an atypical mole for years, and it has stayed the same size/color and irregular shape. never showing signs of changing. what signs should i be on alert for in regards to melanoma? especially considering it fits the asymmetrical symptom?

A member asked:

I have an atypical mole with a new black spot in the middle. my local dr can see me in 2wks, then another appt (presumably 2 wks later) if biopsy is needed, then 2 weeks for results they say. is this too slow? or can i wait 6 wks for a possible dx?

A member asked:

I had a slightly atypical mole shave-biopsied in april. will the dr re-biopsy it at 6-month follow-up? pink scar w/ slightly darker center.

A member asked:

Can trauma cause moles or something looks like moles? i have something looks like atypical mole after i picking off a hard brown scale on my vulva.

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