What are dysplastic nevi (atypical moles)?

Atypical moles may look different from regular moles in these ways:

• Often larger than ¼ inch
• Tan, brown, red or pink in color
• Have irregular borders or may fade into surrounding skin
• Texture may be smooth, rough, irregular or pebbly

Having atypical moles can be genetically passed down from parent to child or caused by sun exposure.  

Moles are usually diagnosed by your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist) with the naked eye or a dermatoscopy (microscopic lens to see the skin closely). 

To spot the differences between a normal atypical mole and skin cancer use the ABCDE method. The mole might be cancerous if it’s:

• Asymmetrical (newly uneven)
• Border (newly irregular)
• Color (multiple colors)
• Diameter (moles greater than ¼ inch are more likely to become cancerous)
• Evolution (changes in mole)

If you find a new atypical mole or see a change in an existing atypical mole, tell your doctor or dermatologist.

Atypical moles that are non-cancerous may simply be watched for changes. If your doctor or dermatologist suspects it could be cancerous, they may take a biopsy (removing a tiny piece of tissue for examination). If it’s cancerous, it’ll be surgically removed. Further treatment would depend on a variety of factors.