Mild to Moderate Atypical Mole Removal. I Am Scared I Will Develop Melanoma?

It is the responsibility of the Doctor who performed the biobsy to sit down with you and explain the results of the pathology report and the recommendations.

Since we do not have the advantage of seeing the pathology report we can not give you proper advise

Atypical moles are precancerous growths that are cured when completely removed. In our office, we will do an excision to get clear margins for all moles that have moderate to severe atypia. For a mildly atypical mole we will observe the area and, if any pigmentation recurs in the biopsy site in the future, a very small excision is done (often with a small punch biopsy tool) for a minimal scar. We also follow all of our "atypical mole" patients by doing full skin examinations every six months. Depending on their size and location, atypical moles can be easily removed by one of two methods. One is a "shave excision" where the mole is actually "shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. The other is an excision with suture closure which uses both dissolving and non-dissolving sutures to give the best cosmetic result. Dermatologic surgeons, not plastic surgeons, typically do both procedures expertly and can decide which would be best for your particular mole. I recommend you see a board certified dermatologist for both your surgery options as well as your follow-up examinations twice yearly.