Suggest Treatment For Atypical Moles On The Back

Posted on Sat, 27 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Doctor, in the last two years I have had five very small moderately aytipical moles diagnosed. This worries me alot. I worry anout melanoma all the time. Recently i saw a spot on my back. It is not new. I have sent you photos from mole mapping a year ago and another from today. Please tell me what you think. Could it be a sebboric keratosis? It seems to have become a little yellow like a cyst. Im scared. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
kindly reply to questions

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com.
I have read your query.
I have seen the attached photographs also.
As per details, the spots look like moles only.
They don't seem to be seborrhoeic keratosis.
Still I would like to know following details -
1 ) Atypical moles as a diagnosis was made by doctor ?
2) Was biopsy done to look for atypical changes?
3) Have you noticed any sudden change in morphology of mole like darkening of pigmentation, rapid increase in size, itch , pain etc?
4) What is your occupation? Do you have excess sun exposure?
Kindly revert back to me with reply of above mentioned questions so that I can help you to my best.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Charu Bansal (3 hours later)

Yes i have been seeing a dermatologist for years. I have had many biopsies throughout the years. I am 38 female. I have had a diagnosis of moderatly aytipical moles only. The mole of my back i noticed has become raised.

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you should go for excisional biopsy

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back.

If biopsy showed atypical changes then you need to be vigilant all throughout .
Atypical moles have relatively higher chances of getting turn into melanoma.
If you feel that the mole on back has got raised then you should better go for excisional biopsy.
As I mentioned, sudden change in already existing mole like increased pigmentation, sudden enlargement of size, appearance of symptoms like pain or itch, any blood discharge, irregular margins raise the suspicion of malignant changes.

I will advise you to visit your doctor so that he can examine the mole and order biopsy for it.
You can share my opinion with him.
I hope it helps.
Stay healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj