Summary
Atypical moles (Ams) represent a commonly acquired activated junctional nevus. They are fairly common with onset near puberty and they remain dynamic throughout adulthood. They rarely progress to melanoma and are considered primarily as markers of increased risk of developing it and no obligate precursor lesions of it. Development of atypical nevus is due to an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. There are no reliable clinical features that allow diagnosing with absolute certitude an atypical mole from a benign melanocytic nevus. An atypical mole, is a mole with a macular or macular and papular component showing at least three of the following criteria: irregular, poor-defined borders; asymmetric shape; irregular distributed pigmentation; a red peripheral hue and size larger than 5mm. Regarding familial atypical multiple mole-melanoma syndrome (FAMMM) diagnosis criteria are: occurrence of melanoma in one or more first conjugal degree relatives; presence of more than fifty nevus and presence of nevus(i) with atypical histologic features. Nowadays, no therapy is available to prevent the development of Ams. Individuals with AMs should be examined on a regular basis and educated to avoid extreme sun exposure. The frequency of follow-up depends on the risk of melanoma development (i.e. when there is a positive familial history for melanoma and AMs, the risk is higher). *Author: Dr I. Palamaras (April 2004)*.
