Atypical or changing moles

Some moles look different from the rest or start to change over time. These are often described as atypical or dysplastic moles. Many atypical moles remain harmless, but they can mimic the early appearance of melanoma, so careful assessment and monitoring are important.

What is an atypical mole?

An atypical mole may:

Be larger than most of your other moles
Have an irregular or blurred outline
Show more than one shade of brown, or areas of pink, red or darker pigment
Look different in pattern from your other moles

People with several atypical moles, or with many moles in general, have a higher lifetime risk of melanoma. This does not mean that every atypical mole will turn into skin cancer, but it does mean that new or changing moles should not be ignored.

Recognising worrying changes

It is helpful to keep an eye on your moles and to look for any of the following:

Change in size, especially if a mole becomes noticeably larger
Change in shape, outline or symmetry
New or uneven colours within the mole
Surface changes such as crusting, scaling or oozing
New itching, tenderness or bleeding without clear injury

Any mole that is changing in this way should be assessed promptly by a dermatologist. Early detection of melanoma greatly improves outcomes, and a normal assessment can provide valuable reassurance.

Specialist assessment of atypical and changing moles

During an appointment, a dermatologist will examine your skin and focus on moles that look atypical or have changed. This usually includes a full mole check to review the pattern of moles across your body.

A dermatoscopic examination may be used to look more closely at the internal structures and pigment pattern of the mole. This helps distinguish between benign atypical moles and those that require removal.

Treatment and follow up

If there is concern about a particular mole, your dermatologist may recommend removal under local anaesthetic so that it can be analysed under the microscope. This does not necessarily mean that the mole is cancerous, but it is the only way to make a definite diagnosis.

After assessment, you may be advised to:

Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles
Take photographs to help monitor particular moles over time
Protect your skin from the sun with high factor sunscreen and clothing
Arrange regular review if you have many atypical moles or a strong family history

When to arrange a review

You should arrange an appointment if you have:

A mole that is changing in appearance
A new mole that stands out from your other moles
A personal or family history of melanoma and are worried about any mole

If you are concerned about an atypical or changing mole, please book a specialist mole check or get in touch through our contact page.