Get checked.

Most people have at least 10 moles on their bodies, which is perfectly normal. Still, it’s important to have your moles checked annually, because if an atypical mole occurs, it is cause for concern and immediate treatment.

Contact Us

Get checked.

Most people have at least 10 moles on their bodies, which is perfectly normal. Still, it’s important to have your moles checked annually, because if an atypical mole occurs, it is cause for concern and immediate treatment.

Contact Us

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KNOW THE ABCDE RULE

Atypical Moles Atlanta, GA

An annual mole check is a must. MetroDerm dermatologists are experts at detecting abnormal/cancerous moles. Most people have at least 10 moles on their bodies and that’s perfectly normal. Moles are formed when skin cells that produce pigment, melanocytes, group together. There are, however, atypical moles which should be a cause for concern. It’s important to have your moles checked annually by your MetroDerm dermatologist. Even though these types of lesions are painless, they should be examined immediately if they change in size or color.

Melanoma and Tanning Statistics

One person dies of melanoma every hour–actually every 54 minutes.
An estimated 87,110 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2017.
An estimated 9,730 people will die of melanoma in 2017.
Melanoma accounts for less than 1% of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
The vast majority of melanomas are caused by the sun. In fact, one study found that about 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a proven human carcinogen. As of September 2, 2014, UV tanning devices were reclassified by the FDA from Class I or low risk to Class II moderate risk devices.

When melanocytes form abnormal moles, they are called atypical moles or dysplastic nevi. These moles are not malignant, but their presence is a warning of a tendency to develop melanoma. Some people have only 1 or 2 atypical moles. Some people may have more than 100. The tendency to develop atypical moles can run in families.

The ABCDE Rule

Experts agree on what to look for when it comes to atypical moles, and the ABCDE rule helps you remember what to look for:

Asymmetry: 1/2 doesn’t match the other 1/2.
Border irregularity: the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, are also indicators of early melanoma.
Diameter: the size of the mole is larger than ¼”, 6 mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern.
Evolution: change in the size, shape, symptoms such as itching or tenderness, surface especially bleeding, or color of a mole.

Atypical moles are seen most commonly on the back but may be anywhere on the body including below the waist, scalp, breasts, or buttocks. They may fade into surrounding skin and include a flat portion that is level with the skin surface. They may also be smooth, slightly scaly, or have a rough, irregular, “pebbly” appearance.

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KNOW THE ABCDE RULE

Atypical Moles

An annual mole check is a must. MetroDerm dermatologists are experts at detecting abnormal/cancerous moles. Most people have at least 10 moles on their bodies and that’s perfectly normal. Moles are formed when skin cells that produce pigment, melanocytes, group together. There are, however, atypical moles which should be a cause for concern. It’s important to have your moles checked annually by your MetroDerm dermatologist. Even though these types of lesions are painless, they should be examined immediately if they change in size or color.

Melanoma and Tanning Statistics

One person dies of melanoma every hour–actually every 54 minutes.
An estimated 87,110 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2017.
An estimated 9,730 people will die of melanoma in 2017.
Melanoma accounts for less than 1% of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
The vast majority of melanomas are caused by the sun. In fact, one study found that about 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a proven human carcinogen. As of September 2, 2014, UV tanning devices were reclassified by the FDA from Class I or low risk to Class II moderate risk devices.

When melanocytes form abnormal moles, they are called atypical moles or dysplastic nevi. These moles are not malignant, but their presence is a warning of a tendency to develop melanoma. Some people have only 1 or 2 atypical moles. Some people may have more than 100. The tendency to develop atypical moles can run in families.

The ABCDE Rule

Experts agree on what to look for when it comes to atypical moles, and the ABCDE rule helps you remember what to look for:

Asymmetry: 1/2 doesn’t match the other 1/2.
Border irregularity: the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance. Changes in color distribution, especially the spread of color from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, are also indicators of early melanoma.
Diameter: the size of the mole is larger than ¼”, 6 mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be of concern.
Evolution: change in the size, shape, symptoms such as itching or tenderness, surface especially bleeding, or color of a mole.

Atypical moles are seen most commonly on the back but may be anywhere on the body including below the waist, scalp, breasts, or buttocks. They may fade into surrounding skin and include a flat portion that is level with the skin surface. They may also be smooth, slightly scaly, or have a rough, irregular, “pebbly” appearance.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Dr. Berghoff has been my doctor for years and has identified and repaired significant skin issues on several occasions that could have resulted in serious health issues. I always leave his office feeling like I know what my skin health is!”

John P.

“I’ve been Dr. Kim’s patient for over 10 years and she is amazing! I recommend her to everyone and am grateful for the care and compassion she has shown me. Unfortunately, because of my skin, I see her a lot, but she makes visits and procedures as stress free as possible.”

Tara F.

“Dr. Papadopoulos did a wonderful job on my recent surgical procedure on my arm. He made me feel at ease and explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. He was precise and succinct during the surgery, and my recovery could not have gone any smoother. I highly recommend Dr. Papadopoulos for any and all skin cancer surgery.”

Martha R.

“Dr. Pearl and her staff are amazing. I can’t speak highly enough about them all.”

Christye N.

“Dr. McClure has no peer in his field. Apart from his incredible skill as a surgeon, he is also wise and compassionate, too. He knows when it’s the right thing to do nothing. I would not be alive today were it not for his treatment of my melanoma years ago. My wife and I trust him more than any other doctor whom we have ever known.”

Robert H.

“I have been going to Dr. Alford for several years. She is great! She is so pleasant and listens to any concerns you may have. She is thorough and professional. I always look forward to seeing her. If you’re looking for a great dermatologist, I highly recommend Dr. Alford.”

Robyn C.

“Dr. Neckman came highly recommended by my wife, and I was a little nervous on my first visit. She made me feel very comfortable and almost like a sister was looking out for her brother. She explained everything very well and took care of me with speed and compassion. Couldn’t recommend a dermatologist more.”

Tony M.

“I have always had the best of care from Dr. Niren. I’ve been going to her since 1986, and I have nothing but praise for her professionalism and the time she spends with me.”

Debbie J.

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Garvey for a little more than six months. She has provided me relief from a serious varicose vein issue. I couldn’t be happier or more impressed with her knowledge, skill, and bedside manner. She has my highest recommendation. Her nurse, Eulene, and office manager, Chris, are also wonderful. Thanks to Dr. Garvey and team!”

Al G.