About Atypical Mole Treatment Services
Most moles are harmless, but knowing which ones need watching isn’t something you should have to guess at.
At Charleston Dermatology, our physicians and providers examine your moles using dermoscopy and full-body skin exams, tracking anything that looks irregular. If a mole shows concerning features, a simple biopsy tells us exactly what we’re dealing with.
Monitoring plans are built around your skin and your personal risk factors, including how many atypical moles you have and your family history of melanoma. Peace of mind starts with a thorough exam. Schedule a skin check and let our team keep an eye on things with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are atypical moles?
Atypical moles are benign moles that share some features with melanoma—they may be larger than a pencil eraser, have blurry or irregular borders, or contain multiple shades of brown, tan, or pink. They are not cancer, but people with several atypical moles have a higher lifetime risk of developing melanoma.
What causes atypical moles?
Genetics play the biggest role, and atypical moles often run in families. Sun exposure contributes too, particularly intense, blistering sunburns in childhood. People with many moles, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma are more likely to have them.
How are atypical moles treated?
Most atypical moles simply need monitoring with regular skin exams and photos to track changes over time. If a mole changes in size, shape, or color, or shows concerning features under dermoscopy, we remove it with a quick in-office biopsy and examine it under the microscope. Between visits, watch your own moles using the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving.