Do atypical moles grow back?

Moles that are severely atypical under the microscope may need a slightly wider surgery to ensure that they do not grow back. Moles should be monitored with total body skin examinations, according to the schedule your doctor recommends.

What does it mean when a mole biopsy comes back atypical?

Atypical moles are very similar to melanoma: both are asymmetrical, multicolored, have an irregular border, and can grow over time. While not all atypical moles are precancerous moles, they can become cancerous moles or melanoma.

When should an atypical mole be removed?

The greatest risk of melanoma is in patients who have more than 50 atypical moles and two or more family members with melanoma (familial atypical mole and melanoma syndrome). Atypical moles should be removed when they have features suggestive of malignant transformation.

What is a severely atypical mole?

Atypical moles are characterized by size of 6 mm or more at the greatest dimension, color variegation, border irregularity, and pebbled texture. They are associated with an increased risk of melanoma, warranting enhanced surveillance, especially in patients with more than 50 moles and a family history of melanoma.

Are suspicious moles always cancerous?

“Although the vast majority of suspicious-looking skin moles do not turn out to be cancerous melanomas, once a decision has been made to remove a mole, there should be a clearer standard margin,” says senior study investigator and dermatologist David Polsky, MD, PhD.

What is an excision of an atypical mole?

Atypical mole removal is called a surgical excision. Your dermatology provider will use a surgical scalpel to remove the mole and get clear margins and then close the wound with stitches. Before this is done, your dermatology provider will examine the mole and perform a biopsy to determine if it’s atypical.

How often do atypical moles become cancerous?

The risk of an atypical mole becoming cancerous is about 1%, compared to . 03% for an ordinary mole. In addition to atypical moles, risk factors for developing melanoma include: Red or blond hair.