Does atypical mole mean cancer?
These moles are not cancerous, and need not be removed if they are not changing.
Instead, atypical moles can be a sign of an increased risk for melanoma skin cancer.
Therefore, people with atypical moles are recommended to have regular skin checks with a doctor..
What is an atypical melanocytic mole?
Atypical melanocytic lesions, which are also called atypical moles or atypical melanocytic hyperlasias, are pigmented moles that contain abnormal cells.
These moles are usually benign.
However, in some cases, atypical melanocytic lesions can become melanomas..
What is cytologic atypia in a mole?
Severe cytologic atypia is defined as enlarged, spindle- and epithelioid-shaped melanocytes with hyperchromatic nuclei of melanocytes that are typically larger than basal keratinocytes (2 times or greater than the nuclei of basal keratinocytes), with distinct nucleoli.Sep 14, 2021.
What is the difference between atypia and melanoma?
Atypical moles are often larger than other nevi (\x26gt; 6 mm diameter) and primarily round (unlike many melanomas) but with indistinct borders and mild asymmetry.
In contrast, melanomas have greater irregularity of color and may have areas that are red, blue, whitish, or depigmented with a scarred appearance..
What makes a mole atypical?
These moles are larger than common moles, with borders that are irregular and poorly defined.
Atypical moles also vary in color, ranging from tan to dark brown shades on a pink background.
They have irregular borders that may include notches..
- Atypical moles are often larger than other nevi (\x26gt; 6 mm diameter) and primarily round (unlike many melanomas) but with indistinct borders and mild asymmetry.
In contrast, melanomas have greater irregularity of color and may have areas that are red, blue, whitish, or depigmented with a scarred appearance. - There are 3 stages of atypia: mild, moderate, and severe.
While an atypical mole is NOT skin cancer, these lesions DO have a higher probability of continuing to develop in an atypical fashion into skin cancer, specifically melanoma. - Types of Moles
Acquired nevi – these are common moles that appear after birth, and can appear at any time.
Atypical nevi – these also appear at any time, but they more closely resemble melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
