What’s an Atypical Mole (Dysplastic Nevus)? Pictures, How to Spot One, and What to Do
Key takeaways:
Atypical moles are ones that look different from regular moles. They’re usually bigger, with irregular borders, and in different colors.
Atypical moles aren’t cancerous. But having one can increase your risk of developing a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
If you notice any of your moles changing, get them checked out by a dermatologist.
Table of contents
Most people are familiar with skin moles. These common and harmless skin growths affect almost all adults, especially people with fair skin.
But what does it mean to have atypical moles? How can you tell? And what should you do about them?
Atypical moles are more common in people with fair complexions, but people of all skin tones can get them. Knowing what they look like is important. That’s because having atypical moles can increase your risk of a certain type of skin cancer called melanoma.
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What is an atypical mole (dysplastic nevus)?
Like other moles, an atypical mole is a collection of specialized skin cells called melanocytes. But atypical moles aren’t just regular moles. They look different, and they also have some unusual features that mean they’re riskier.
Atypical moles, also called a dysplastic nevus, are benign. This means they have no cancerous cells in them. But they do have some high-risk features for cancer. Some features you can see with a naked eye if you know what to look for. Other features you can only see with a microscope.
Signs and symptoms of an atypical mole
Atypical moles can occur anywhere on the body, but they’re more common in sun-exposed areas. So, it helps to pay particular attention to these parts of the body when checking your skin for atypical moles.
Atypical moles are also typically larger than regular moles. They can vary in appearance from person to person.
These ABCDE signs can be a helpful tool to spot an atypical mole:
Asymmetry: The moles are irregularly shaped.
Border: The mole’s border is uneven, notched, or scalloped.
Color: The mole’s coloring is mixed, like different shades of brown, tan, or blue.
Diameter: The mole’s diameter is greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole changes in appearance or starts to itch or bleed.
Living with melanoma: Read one woman’s story living with — and recovering from — stage 4 melanoma.
What does skin cancer look like? Learn how to spot the different types of skin cancer with the help of pictures.
Skin cancer in darker skin tones. Skin cancer can look different in darker skin tones. See pictures of what to look for.
No matter what, if you notice a spot changing — or you’re worried about one for any reason — it’s best to get it checked out by a skin specialist (a dermatologist).
Pictures of atypical moles
Here are some pictures of what atypical moles look like on different parts of the body and in different skin tones.
What causes atypical moles?
Scientists don’t know exactly what causes atypical moles. It’s likely they happen as a result of your genetics and risk factors in your environment. In this case, the main environmental risk factor is unprotected sun exposure.
Risk factors for atypical moles
Anyone can develop atypical moles, but some people are more likely to be affected. This includes people who have:
A parent with atypical moles
Fair skin
Freckles
Light-colored eyes and hair
A history of sunburns
Sensitivity to sun (meaning you burn easily)
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Are atypical moles cancerous?
No, atypical moles aren’t cancerous. It’s possible that an individual atypical mole can turn into cancer, but this is pretty uncommon.
But having atypical moles on your body increases your risk of developing melanoma at some point in your life. Here are some risk factors:
If you have 10 or more atypical moles, your risk of developing melanoma is 12 times higher.
If you have atypical moles and a family history of melanoma, your risk of developing melanoma over the course of your life could be up to 90%.
So, knowing you have atypical moles provides you with useful information. That way, you can take steps to lower your risk of developing melanoma. More on this below.
Atypical moles vs. melanoma?
An atypical mole and melanoma are different lesions. Melanoma is skin cancer, and an atypical mole is benign (noncancerous).
The main difference is that an atypical mole looks similar to your other moles, whereas melanoma typically looks different to your other moles. This is called the “ugly duckling” sign, because melanomas stand out from the crowd.
Here’s a summary of the key differences between atypical moles and melanoma. But keep in mind that these differences don’t always hold true. It’s important to get any changing or worrisome mole checked out by a dermatologist or primary care provider.
Atypical mole | Melanoma |
|---|---|
Usually has no symptoms | Can sometimes have symptoms like itching or bleeding |
Usually grows or changes slowly | Can grow or change rapidly |
May have some atypical changes, like an irregular border or asymmetry | Has more noticeable atypical changes, usually an irregular border and asymmetry |
Looks similar to other atypical moles | Doesn’t look like your other moles |
How do you look for atypical moles?
The best way to look for atypical moles is to do self-skin checks and see a dermatologist regularly. This is especially true if you have any of the risk factors listed above.
Self-skin check
To do a self-skin check, thoroughly inspect your skin from your head to your toes using a mirror in a well-lit area. Don’t forget to look at your scalp and in between your skin folds and toes (ask a family member or friend to help you).
See a dermatologist
If you think a mole may be atypical, it’s always best to have it checked out by your dermatologist. In most situations, they can diagnose an atypical mole just by looking at it using a specialized handheld tool called a dermatoscope.
Mole mapping
If you have many moles, your dermatologist may take photographs of your skin in order to track any changes in your moles over time. This is called mole mapping.
Biopsy
In some situations, you may need a skin biopsy for an abnormal-looking mole. This is to make sure it’s not melanoma. A skin biopsy is a minor surgical procedure done in the office. Here are the steps:
Your dermatologist will numb the skin with a small needle.
A small blade is used to take a sample of the mole.
The tissue gets analyzed under a microscope by a pathologist to look at the cells in more detail.
Stages of atypical moles
When an atypical mole is analyzed under the microscope, the pathologist will usually diagnose it with one of the stages below.
Mildly atypical mole: Changes in the cells are mild.
Moderately atypical mole: Changes in the cells are moderate.
Severely atypical mole: Changes in the cells are severe. This type is most worrisome for turning into melanoma.
But in reality, staging a mole is more complicated than this makes it sound.
Does an atypical mole need to be removed?
Most atypical moles don’t need to be removed — if they aren’t changing.
But if you have a mole that’s changing or you have a mole that your dermatologist is worried about, it may need to be biopsied and removed.
Moles usually need to be removed for one of two reasons:
The atypical mole is in fact a melanoma.
The mole is so atypical that it’s considered a high risk for turning into a melanoma.
Frequently asked questions
You should see a healthcare professional for an atypical mole in the following cases:
It’s changing in size, shape, or color.
It develops symptoms (like itching or bleeding).
You’re worried about it.
It looks different than your other moles.
You’re not sure it’s an atypical mole.
Most atypical moles appear during childhood and early adulthood. But it’s possible for atypical moles to appear at any age.
No. It’s never a good idea to remove a mole — or any skin growth — at home. Doing this can lead to scarring and a skin infection. You may also be removing an atypical mole and not get all of it out. This means that you could have some atypical cells left in your skin that could regrow.
The bottom line
Atypical moles are more likely to affect people with fair skin. They look different from regular moles. They’re usually larger, have irregular borders, and can have irregular coloring. Atypical moles aren’t cancerous. But having them can increase your risk of developing a serious form of skin cancer called melanoma.
A dermatologist can usually identify an atypical mole by looking at it. Sometimes, though, a biopsy is needed. If you notice signs of an atypical mole or any changing spot, get it checked out. And, if you’re at high risk for either atypical moles or melanoma, you’ll want to make time for regular mole checks, at home and with a dermatologist.
Why trust our experts?
Images used with permission from VisualDx (www.visualdx.com).
References
AIM at Melanoma Foundation. (n.d.). Mole mapping.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Moles: Who gets and types.
Oakley, A., et al. (2023). Dermoscopy. DermNet.
Orphanet. (2015). Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome.
Perkins, A., et al. (2015). Atypical moles: Diagnosis and management. American Family Physician.
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024). Atypical moles & your skin.
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024). Self-exams save lives.
Wensley, K. E., et al. (2023). Atypical mole. StatPearls.
