--- description: Atypical moles put you at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. Find out how to spot atypical moles and what you can do. title: Atypical Moles image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/atypical-mole.png --- [Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) › Atypical Moles Translation:   [![]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/naevus-dysplasiques-et-risque-de-melanome/)  [![]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/dysplastische-navi/) [![Italian flag small icon]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/nevi-displastici-atipici-e-rischio-di-melanoma/) [En Español](https://cancerdepiel.org/cancer-de-piel/nevos-displasicos) # Atypical Moles & Your Skin ## The Facts. The Risks. How They Affect You. People with 10 or more atypical moles have 12x THE RISK OF MELANOMA ![](<> "atypicalmole") **Atypical moles**, also known as *dysplastic nevi,* are unusual-looking moles that have irregular features under the microscope. Though benign, they are worth more of your attention because individuals with atypical moles are at increased risk for [melanoma](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/), a dangerous skin cancer. An atypical mole can occur anywhere on the body. The appearance of these moles can vary greatly. The best advice is to** know your skin**. Keep track of any and all moles you may have. This gives you the best chance to spot anything [new, changing or unusual](http://skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) and bring it to the attention of your dermatologist. - [What you need to know](#know) - [How to spot an atypical mole](#spot) - [What causes atypical moles](#causes) - [Atypical mole syndrome](#syndrome) - [Treatment for atypical moles](#treatment) - [What you can do](#do) ### What you need to know - **An atypical mole is not a skin cancer** but having these moles is a risk factor for developing melanoma. - **Although rare, melanoma can arise in association with atypical moles.** That is why it is important to be aware of these moles, get them checked by your dermatologist, and watch out for changing moles. - **If you have atypical moles** plus a family history of melanoma, you have an increased risk of developing melanoma. - **If you have any common melanoma risk factors** plus atypical moles, you must be particularly watchful: - [Fair skin](http://skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/), light eyes or hair - Freckles - Many moles - A personal or family history of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer - [Photosensitivity](http://skincancer.org/risk-factors/photosensitivity/) - Inability to tan - Repeated and intermittent [sunburns](http://skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/) It’s important to note that even without a family history of melanoma, if you have atypical moles, you have an elevated risk of developing melanoma. ### How to spot an atypical mole At first glance, it can be tricky to see how an atypical mole differs from a normal mole. Below are some warning signs to watch for. #### The ABCDE Warning Signs The first five letters of the alphabet can be used as a guide to the warning signs for atypical moles and [melanoma](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/). **A is for Asymmetry. **Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole. **B is for Border.** Borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges, while common moles tend to have more smoother, more even borders. **C is for Color.** Multiple colors are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colors red, white or blue may also appear. **D is for Diameter and Dark. **While it’s ideal to detect a melanoma when it’s small, it is a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or ¼ inch in diameter) or larger. Some experts say it is also important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than others. Rare,  [amelanotic melanomas](http://skincancer.org/blog/amelanotic-melanoma-it-doesnt-look-like-other-melanomas/) are colorless. **E is for Evolving.** Any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign to see your doctor. **When in doubt, check it out:** Your dermatologist will determine whether your pigmented lesion is an atypical mole or a melanoma, and provide you with detailed information about next steps. #### Images: What to watch for ![picture atypical mole](<> "atypical-mole-ABC") Atypical mole with asymmetry, border irregularity and multiple shades of brown. ![atypical mole](<> "atypical-mole") Atypical mole with asymmetry, border irregularity, color variations and diameter greater than ¼ inch ![Dysplastic nevus lowerback man](<> "Dysplastic-nevus-lowerback") Atypical mole on lower back. Close-up of mole (on right) shows asymmetry, color variegation and border irregularity. *Please note: Since not all atypical moles have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference for what they can look like. If you see something new, changing or unusual on your skin, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.* ### What causes atypical moles? Scientists and researchers are still working on understanding what causes atypical moles. The reason they develop is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. ### Atypical mole syndrome People with atypical mole syndrome (also known as dysplastic nevus syndrome) are at especially high risk of developing melanoma. The syndrome is associated with the following three characteristics: - 100 or more moles - One or more moles 1/3 inch (8 mm) or larger in diameter - One or more atypical moles If you have hereditary risk factors for melanoma as well as many atypical moles, you may be classified as having Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM), putting you at even greater risk for developing melanoma. ### What is the treatment for atypical moles? If you have one or more atypical moles, see a dermatologist. It’s important to get professional guidance on how to keep track of changes. Your dermatologist will know whether or not any moles need a biopsy to ensure they are not melanomas. The more abnormal features moles have, the riskier they are. Frequent monitoring of these moles is especially crucial, so that if a melanoma arises, it can be detected and treated as early as possible.   If your doctor identifies a mole as suspicious, or if new moles appear after age 40, you may need a biopsy. ### What you can do **Know your skin:** If you have atypical moles, FAMMM or other melanoma risk factors, perform monthly self-checks and visit your dermatologist regularly (at least once a year) for thorough head-to-toe skin exams. Talk to your doctor at length about self-monitoring steps you need to take. Advise family members to do the same. **Be on the lookout:** See your dermatologist if you notice any of the [ABCDE melanoma warning signs](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/) or any of the following changes on your skin: - Itching, bleeding, crusting, oozing or swelling of a skin lesion - Changes in color, size, shape, texture or elevation of a skin lesion - Pain **Protect against UV rays:** You can reduce the skin cancer risk posed by UV-radiation by taking simple protective measures. Safeguard your skin against the sun every day, even when it’s cloudy. Avoid indoor tanning entirely.  Get the details on how to make healthy skin a way of life: [Your Daily Sun Protection Guide](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/). ***Reviewed by:*** *Adele Haimovic, MD* *Jesse M. Lewin, MD* [UV Radiation](http://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/ "UV Radiation") [Sunburn](http://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/ "Sunburn") [Tanning](http://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/ "Tanning") [Skin Type](http://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/ "Recommended Products") [Photosensitivity](http://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/photosensitivity/ "Photosensitivity") ## Sun & Skin News [From Beauty Mark to Melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/from-beauty-mark-to-melanoma/)![Chrissy receiving immunotherapy for skin cancer during pandemic]() [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/) [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/) ### [From Beauty Mark to Melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/from-beauty-mark-to-melanoma/) [More Than Moles: When Melanoma Doesn’t Look Like You Think It Should](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/more-than-moles-melanoma/)![Sometimes identifying a potential skin cancer isn’t so straightforward. Skin cancer comes in many forms, and tumors don’t always display the most well-known characteristics of the disease.]() [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/) ### [More Than Moles: When Melanoma Doesn’t Look Like You Think It Should](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/more-than-moles-melanoma/) [Basal Cell Carcinoma at Age 16 – Teen Warns: “Skin Cancer Can Happen to Anybody.”](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-at-age-16-teen-warns-skin-cancer-can-happen-to-anybody/)![Laura Anne wearing BCC awareness sweatshirt]() [Skin Cancer Awareness Month](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-awareness-month/) [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/) ### [Basal Cell Carcinoma at Age 16 – Teen Warns: “Skin Cancer Can Happen to Anybody.”](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/basal-cell-carcinoma-at-age-16-teen-warns-skin-cancer-can-happen-to-anybody/) Last updated: March 2026 Open menu Menu Close menu SearchSearch ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/risk-factors\/atypical-moles\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/risk-factors\/atypical-moles\/","name":"Atypical Moles - The Skin Cancer Foundation","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/risk-factors\/atypical-moles\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/risk-factors\/atypical-moles\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/atypical-mole.png","datePublished":"2019-06-07T17:55:15+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-24T14:38:21+00:00","description":"Atypical moles put you at increased risk for melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer. 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People with 10 or more atypical moles have approximately 12 times the risk of developing melanoma compared to those without them." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are atypical moles the same as skin cancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. An atypical mole is not skin cancer. However, having atypical moles is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma. Although rare, melanoma can arise in association with atypical moles. This is why it is important to be aware of these moles, have them checked by a dermatologist, and monitor them for any changes. If you have atypical moles plus a family history of melanoma, your risk is further elevated and requires particularly close monitoring." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do atypical moles look like?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Atypical moles can be identified using the ABCDE warning signs: Asymmetry (one half does not match the other, unlike a common round or oval mole); Border irregularity (uneven, scalloped, or notched edges, compared to the smoother borders of normal moles); Color variation (multiple shades of brown, tan, or black, compared to the uniform single shade of a benign mole — as it grows, red, white, or blue tones may also appear); Diameter and Dark (a size equal to or larger than a pencil eraser, about 6 mm or ¼ inch, or any lesion darker than surrounding moles regardless of size); and Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting). When in doubt, have a dermatologist evaluate any suspicious lesion." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What causes atypical moles?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Scientists and researchers are still working to fully understand what causes atypical moles. The reason they develop is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Having a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical moles, fair skin, light eyes or hair, freckles, photosensitivity, an inability to tan, and a history of repeated sunburns are all factors that, when combined with the presence of atypical moles, increase the risk of developing melanoma." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is atypical mole syndrome?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Atypical mole syndrome, also known as dysplastic nevus syndrome, is a condition associated with an especially high risk of developing melanoma. It is characterized by three features: having 100 or more moles; having one or more moles that are 1/3 inch (8 mm) or larger in diameter; and having one or more atypical moles. People who also have hereditary risk factors for melanoma in addition to many atypical moles may be classified as having Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM), which carries an even greater risk of developing melanoma." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM) is a hereditary condition that places individuals at very high risk for developing melanoma. It is diagnosed when a person has hereditary risk factors for melanoma combined with many atypical moles. People with FAMMM should perform monthly full-body skin self-exams, see a dermatologist regularly for thorough head-to-toe skin checks, and advise family members to do the same, as the condition has a genetic component." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are atypical moles treated?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you have one or more atypical moles, you should see a dermatologist for professional guidance on how to monitor changes. Your dermatologist will determine whether any moles need a biopsy to rule out melanoma — the more abnormal features a mole has, the higher the risk and the more urgently it may need evaluation. Frequent monitoring is especially crucial so that if a melanoma does arise, it can be detected and treated as early as possible. If a mole is identified as suspicious, or if new moles appear after age 40, a biopsy may be recommended." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who is at highest risk from atypical moles?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "People with atypical moles are at elevated risk for melanoma even without a family history of the disease. The risk is highest for those who have atypical moles combined with any of the following: a personal or family history of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer; fair skin, light eyes, or light hair; freckles; a large number of moles; photosensitivity; an inability to tan; or a history of repeated and intermittent sunburns. Having multiple risk factors in addition to atypical moles compounds the overall melanoma risk significantly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do if I have atypical moles?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you have atypical moles, take the following steps: Perform a thorough full-body skin self-exam every month and keep track of all moles. See a dermatologist at least once a year for a head-to-toe professional skin exam, or more frequently if recommended. Watch for the ABCDE warning signs — asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, large diameter, and any evolving changes — as well as itching, bleeding, crusting, oozing, swelling, or pain in any lesion. Protect your skin from UV radiation every day with broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade-seeking behavior. Avoid indoor tanning entirely. Advise family members to get checked as well, since atypical moles and melanoma risk can run in families." } } ] } ```