Atypical moles are an important risk factor for melanoma. Sometimes, melanomas will begin within the mole itself. Dysplastic nevi usually have the following characteristics:
Shape: asymmetrical; a line drawn through the middle would not create matching halves
Border: irregular and/or hazy – the mole gradually fades into the surrounding skin
Color: variation and irregularity with subtle, haphazard areas of tan, brown, dark brown, blue, or black
Diameter: generally larger than 6 mm, but may be smaller
Location: most commonly on the back, chest, abdomen, and extremities; may also occur on normally unexposed areas such as buttocks, groins, or female breasts, as well as scalp
Growth: enlargement of a previously stable mole or appearance of a new mole after ages 35 - 40 should raise suspicion
Surface: central portion may be flat or raised, sometimes with tiny "pebbly" variations
Appearance: greatly varied; dysplastic nevi often look different from one another
Number: from a few to well over 100 dysplastic nevi may be present If any of these warning signs appear on your own skin or that of a friend or family member, consult a dermatologist right away. It could be the first sign of skin cancer.
Shape: asymmetrical; a line drawn through the middle would not create matching halves
Border: irregular and/or hazy – the mole gradually fades into the surrounding skin
Color: variation and irregularity with subtle, haphazard areas of tan, brown, dark brown, blue, or black
Diameter: generally larger than 6 mm, but may be smaller
Location: most commonly on the back, chest, abdomen, and extremities; may also occur on normally unexposed areas such as buttocks, groins, or female breasts, as well as scalp
Growth: enlargement of a previously stable mole or appearance of a new mole after ages 35 - 40 should raise suspicion
Surface: central portion may be flat or raised, sometimes with tiny "pebbly" variations
Appearance: greatly varied; dysplastic nevi often look different from one another
Number: from a few to well over 100 dysplastic nevi may be present If any of these warning signs appear on your own skin or that of a friend or family member, consult a dermatologist right away. It could be the first sign of skin cancer.
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