If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

What are atypical moles?

Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) are skin growths.  They are benign (not cancerous). However, they look like a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Atypical moles are usually bigger than 6 mm wide (about the size of a pencil eraser). They have an irregular shape and borders that are not well defined and that can fade into the skin. Atypical moles can be more than 2 colours (often different shades of brown).

Moles are common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. New moles can appear. However, they usually stop after the age of 40 and eventually fade.

Path to improved well being

Protect your skin from the sun. If you spend time outdoors, plan to stay out of the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is strongest. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. You can also wear protective clothing (for example, long sleeves and long pants). Never use a tanning bed.

Things to consider

People who have a lot of atypical moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma, especially if they also have family members who have had melanoma.

An atypical mole can become cancerous. If you have an atypical mole, have your healthcare provider examine it. They may remove the mole or have it checked for melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Most atypical moles do not need to be removed.

Watch your skin for new moles or any changes in your moles. If you have a mole that bleeds or itches, contact your healthcare provider right away. Also contact your healthcare provider if a mole changes in size, shape or, or if becomes scaly or crusty.

See your healthcare provider regularly for skin checks. Your healthcare provider should examine your skin at least once a year.