This image displays pigmented skin that happens to be an abnormal mole, but a lesion that has this variation in color should be biopsied to verify it's not melanoma. This image displays a black and red atypical nevus. This image displays an atypical nevus (mole). This image displays an atypical nevus (mole) that is larger than a pencil eraser in diameter, has an irregular border, and has a slightly lighter pink-brown color on the right side, in addition to peeling skin from a sunburn. This image displays an atypical nevus (mole) with deep and multiple colors and an irregular border. This image displays an atypical nevus, an unusual mole that is often larger than a pencil eraser and has variation in color and shape. As displayed in this image, atypical nevi (moles) usually have variation in color. This image displays an atypical nevus (mole).
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Mole, Atypical (Atypical Nevus)  Teen information

Picture of Mole, Atypical (Atypical Nevus): This image displays pigmented skin that happens to be an abnormal mole, but a lesion that has this variation in color should be biopsied to verify it's not melanoma. Divider line
This image displays pigmented skin that happens to be an abnormal mole, but a lesion that has this variation in color should be biopsied to verify it's not melanoma.
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Self-Care Guidelines
  • Protective measures, such as avoiding skin exposure to sunlight during peak sun hours (10 AM to 3 PM), wearing protective clothing, and applying high-SPF sunscreen, are essential for reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • Monthly self-examination of the skin is helpful to detect new lesions or changes in existing lesions.
  • Be sure your atypical moles are not signs of skin cancer (melanoma). Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma lesions:
    A - Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not mirror the other half.
    B - Border: The borders are irregular or vague (indistinct).
    C - Color: More than one color may be noted within the mole.
    D - Diameter: Size greater than 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) may be concerning.
    E - Evolving: Notable changes in the lesion over time are suspicious signs for skin cancer.
When to Seek Medical Care
  • The occurrence of a new mole (pigmented nevus) in an adult is unusual; if a new pigmented lesion occurs, see your doctor for evaluation.
  • People with multiple moles and unusual (atypical) moles should be examined by a dermatologist every 4–12 months depending on their past history and family history.
  • It may be difficult to tell an atypical mole from a normal mole, so seek medical evaluation if you are unsure about the nature of a mole or if you note changes within a mole.
  • Your doctor may recommend that you have a biopsy or surgical removal (excision) of unusual-appearing moles to find out whether or not you have atypical moles or melanoma.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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