What to Do About an Unusual Mole

Most of the time, seeing an unusual mole might not seem like a problem. In fact, unusual or atypical moles are prevalent across the world, affecting 2-18% of the population. But there’s always a risk these moles could be cancerous. 

Dr. Malouf Dermatology offers cosmetic and medical dermatological procedures to patients with a myriad of needs. Peter Malouf, DO, Amanda Miller, FNP-C, and Haylee Terry, PA-C, want to ensure your skin makes you feel both healthy and happy, and we always recommend having an unusual mole checked out. 

Unusual moles 101 

Medically speaking, an unusual mole is called an atypical mole or a dysplastic nevus. This is a broad term for several types that don't look like common moles. Common moles are small, round, or oval-shaped, and have distinct edges with a smooth surface. 

If you notice you have a mole that doesn’t fit into this category, it may be classified as unusual. While this doesn’t mean you have melanoma, it does mean you should get checked out. Follow the steps below to ensure you are protecting yourself. 

1. Follow this ABCDE tip

First, take a good look at your mole (or have someone else do so if you can’t see it properly), and ask these questions: 

• Is it asymmetrical
• Is the border of your mole nonuniform
• Does it change color throughout
• Is the mole’s diameter bigger than an eraser on a pencil
• Has anything about the mole changed or evolved over the last six months (including size, shape, color, or location)

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should make an appointment right away to get your mole checked out. Even if you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe in this situation, so make sure you reach out to us as soon as you can. 

2. Visit your provider 

Your provider may take a look at your mole and determine there’s nothing to worry about. However, if there is a concern or to simply be on the safe side, they might recommend a biopsy. This is when a piece of the mole is removed and screened to determine if it is malignant or benign. 

If the test results reveal you have a cancerous mole, we determine how to treat it and protect your skin. 

3. Get the best treatment 

Treatment for skin cancer has changed quite a bit over the last few decades. More people are looking for procedures that remove as little skin as possible. This is especially true if the mole is in a sensitive area like on or near the face, feet, hands, or genitals. 

Fortunately, we are medically trained to perform Mohs surgery, a procedure that exists specifically geared to this type of sensitive mole placement. 

Mohs surgery allows for the removal of individual layers of skin with a scalpel. Each layer is then examined under a microscope until all cancerous cells have been removed. This finely tuned procedure allows you to keep as much skin as you can while also ensuring the removal of all cancer from the area. 

Don’t wait; have your unusual mole examined today

The best way to handle an unusual mole is to get it checked out by our qualified team of health care professionals. This way, you can move forward with any necessary treatments as soon as possible. 

You can make an appointment today at any of our offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Cleburne, Texas. Simply book online or call now.