Normal and atypical moles

Moles (also known as naevi) arise from melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) and accumulate in a particular area of the skin. This leads to a visible pigment spot on the skin. Usually, moles are brown or black in colour, but can also be pink, red or skin-coloured. Most moles are harmless and appear at a young age. Some people have only a few, while others have dozens or more. Moles are usually inherited (from the family). Most moles are harmless, yet some moles can become malignant and it is important to keep a close eye on them. 

Normal mole

A normal mole is uniform in colour and is usually formed early in life. Most importantly, a normal mole is and remains exactly the same. It does not change or evolve.

Atypical mole

An atypical mole, also known as a dysplastic naevus, is a type of mole that looks different from regular, normal moles. Although most dysplastic naevi are not malignant, they may carry a higher risk of skin cancer, specifically melanoma. These atypical moles have some characteristics that differ from the standard mole. In this article, you will find the characteristics of suspicious moles.

People with multiple atypical moles (more than 50) have an increased risk of developing melanoma and are therefore closely monitored by a dermatologist. Regular check-ups and self-examination are important to detect changes in these moles in time.

Removing a mole

In some cases, a doctor may decide to remove a mole preventively, for example if it is in an inconvenient location or if there are concerns about the possible development into melanoma in atypical moles. Benign moles are removed by laser treatments or other cosmetic procedures if they are cosmetically disruptive.

In short, most moles are harmless, but some may be a sign of skin cancer. Being vigilant and having suspicious ones examined in the SkinVision app or at the doctor's office reduces the risk of health problems. 

Example photo normal mole

Example photo atypical mole