Mole and Dysplastic Nevi Treatment in Petaluma & Hercules

Understanding Moles and Dysplastic Nevi

Moles are among the most common skin growths people notice throughout their lives. While the vast majority of moles are harmless, certain types—particularly dysplastic nevi—carry an increased risk for skin cancer, including melanoma.

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, our board-certified dermatologists evaluate and monitor moles with expert precision, helping patients distinguish between routine skin findings and changes that require medical attention.

What Are Moles?

Moles, medically known as nevi, are clusters of melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Most moles appear during childhood or adolescence, and it is typical for adults to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles.

Characteristics of Common Moles

Shape: Usually round or oval.
Color: Typically uniform in shade, ranging from tan to dark brown.
Size: Generally smaller than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Border: Smooth and well-defined.
Stability: Remain relatively unchanged over time.

Common moles are not dangerous, though they may occasionally be removed if they are irritated, cosmetically bothersome, or in areas prone to trauma (such as under a bra strap or waistband).

What Are Dysplastic Nevi?

Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that differ in appearance from common moles. While they are benign, they can mimic melanoma and are considered a marker of increased risk for developing skin cancer. Individuals with multiple dysplastic nevi, especially when combined with a family history of melanoma, are at significantly higher risk.

Features of Dysplastic Nevi

Shape: May be irregular or asymmetrical.
Color: Can display multiple shades—light brown, dark brown, pink, or black.
Size: Often larger than 6 mm.
Border: Uneven, blurred, or notched edges.
Evolution: More likely to change over time compared to common moles.

Why Dysplastic Nevi Matter

Although most dysplastic nevi never progress to melanoma, their presence signals that heightened vigilance is necessary. Research shows that people with more than five dysplastic nevi are at substantially greater risk of melanoma than the general population.

For this reason, dermatologists recommend regular skin checks for anyone with a history of dysplastic nevi. Monitoring allows the early detection of worrisome changes, when skin cancers are most treatable.

Differentiating Between Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Melanoma

Dermatologists use visual cues and dermoscopic tools to differentiate benign moles from suspicious lesions. Patients are encouraged to follow the ABCDE rule when performing self-checks:

A – Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.
B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
C – Color: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, or even blue.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm, though smaller lesions may still be concerning.
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or sensation..

If a mole or spot looks different from the others—sometimes called the “ugly duckling sign”—it should be evaluated promptly.

Risk Factors for Developing Dysplastic Nevi

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing atypical moles:

Genetics: A family history of dysplastic nevi or melanoma.
Sun Exposure: Frequent sunburns, especially in childhood, increase the risk.
Skin Type: Fair skin, light hair, and light eye color are associated with a higher incidence.
Number of Moles: Having a large number of moles (50+) raises the chance of atypical mole development.

How We Diagnose and Monitor Moles and Dysplastic Nevi

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, our approach includes:

Full-Body Skin Exams

We recommend annual skin checks for most patients, and more frequent visits for those with a personal or family history of melanoma or numerous dysplastic nevi.

Dermoscopy

This handheld device allows dermatologists to see structures beneath the skin surface, improving accuracy in distinguishing between benign and suspicious lesions.

Photography

For patients with many atypical moles, digital imaging can help track changes over time. Subtle evolutions that might be missed with the naked eye are easier to identify through photographic comparison.

Biopsy

If a mole or dysplastic nevus raises concern, a biopsy provides definitive information. Dermatopathology determines whether the mole is benign, precancerous, or cancerous.

Advanced moles and dysplastic nevi Treatments We Offer In Our Petaluma and Hercules Clinics

Not all dysplastic nevi require removal. Management depends on the mole’s appearance, pathology, and patient risk factors.

Observation

Many mildly atypical moles are monitored through periodic skin checks.

Shave or Excisional Biopsy

Suspicious or severely atypical moles are often removed for further analysis.

Surgical Excision

If a mole is confirmed to be melanoma or severely dysplastic, it may be completely excised with a margin of normal tissue.

Dermatology Associates of the bay area doctors, pa, aesthetician, and staff. Group image outside.

Why Choose Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area?

Our practice combines decades of experience with advanced diagnostic tools to provide comprehensive evaluations for moles and skin cancer. We understand the anxiety that new or changing skin lesions can cause, and we are committed to giving patients clear, compassionate, and thorough guidance.

Whether you need reassurance, ongoing surveillance, or treatment for an atypical mole, our team is here to ensure your skin health is protected.

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Moles and Dysplastic Nevi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a common mole and a dysplastic nevus?

Common moles are typically round or oval, uniform in color, smaller than 6 mm, and have smooth, well-defined borders. Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that may be irregular or asymmetrical in shape, display multiple shades of color, grow larger than 6 mm, and have uneven or blurred edges. While dysplastic nevi are benign, they can resemble melanoma and indicate an increased risk for developing skin cancer.

How many moles are normal to have?

It is typical for adults to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles. Most moles appear during childhood or adolescence. Having a large number of moles (50 or more) can raise the chance of developing atypical moles and may indicate a higher risk for skin cancer.

What is the ABCDE rule for checking moles?

The ABCDE rule helps identify potentially concerning moles. A stands for Asymmetry (one half looks different from the other), B is Border (irregular or poorly defined edges), C represents Color (multiple shades of brown, black, red, or blue), D means Diameter (larger than 6 mm, though smaller lesions may still be concerning), and E indicates Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or sensation). If a mole exhibits any of these characteristics, it should be evaluated promptly.

Do all dysplastic nevi need to be removed?

Not all dysplastic nevi require removal. Management depends on the appearance of the mole, pathology results, and individual risk factors. Many mildly atypical moles are simply monitored through periodic skin checks. Suspicious or severely atypical moles are often removed through biopsy for further analysis. If a mole is confirmed to be melanoma or severely dysplastic, it may be completely excised with a margin of normal tissue.

How often should I have my moles checked?

Annual skin checks are recommended for most patients. However, if you have a personal or family history of melanoma or numerous dysplastic nevi, more frequent visits may be necessary. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, the team provides personalized monitoring schedules based on individual risk factors to ensure early detection of any concerning changes.

What increases my risk of developing dysplastic nevi?

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing atypical moles, including genetics (a family history of dysplastic nevi or melanoma), frequent sun exposure (especially sunburns in childhood), fair skin with light hair and light eye color, and having a large number of existing moles. People with more than five dysplastic nevi are at substantially greater risk of melanoma than the general population.

What is dermoscopy and how does it help diagnose moles?

Dermoscopy is a handheld device that allows dermatologists to see structures beneath the skin surface. This advanced diagnostic tool improves accuracy in distinguishing between benign and suspicious lesions. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, dermoscopy is used during skin exams to provide more precise evaluations of moles and dysplastic nevi.

When should I be concerned about a changing mole?

You should be concerned if a mole displays asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, grows larger than 6 mm, or shows any change in size, shape, color, or sensation. Additionally, if a mole looks different from your other moles (sometimes called the “ugly duckling sign”), it should be evaluated promptly. Early detection of skin cancer is critical when treatment is most effective, so schedule a professional skin exam if you notice any worrisome changes.