Atypical moles and melanoma

Hello Dr. Rockoff,
I wrote to you several months ago about a severly atypical mole that I had biopsied (thank you for you guidance and feedback by the way.)  What was left of the mole was re-excised, and thankfully, everything came back fine!  Since, I had another mole biopsied that was moderately atypical, and had a re-excision done with that one as well (borders weren't "clear" initially,) and that one came back (from the dermatopath) fine, too.  I am VERY, VERY scared about my future risk for melanoma, as it seems that recently, biopsies of my moles are coming back bad!!!  When I learned of my atypical moles about 5 years ago, my "worst" ones were removed, as they were mainly on my back, and difficult for me to keep an eye on.  Over this same time span of about 5 years, I've had moles removed off and on, that have been classified as normal, or mildly or moderately atypical (besides the one that was severe.)So, I will cut to the chase......Am I NOW a walking time bomb for melanoma???  That is my fear.....my mole that was severely atypical and  one or so that were moderately atypical were removed as a precaution for the future (that is my understanding anyway.....) but would have maybe never turned into anything if left alone???  Or is it guaranteed that they would have progressed to melanoma?  I am happy they're gone, but am worried about the many other moles that are left on my body.....(BTW, I am 40, Cauc. female, fair to medium complected with brown hair and blue eyes; no personal or family hx of melanoma, and use good sun precautions including visits to the derma. every 3-4 months.)  If you can help ease my fear, I would appreciate it very much.  THANKS!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

In the lexicon of most skin pathologists, any atypia less than severe (mild, moderate) doesn't mean much.  We don't know whether these would have developed into anything if left alone, but just remove them so we don;t have to worry.  Nothing you've told me makes me worry about you at all, beyond advising you to get examined regularly, which you're obviously going to do anyway.  These couple of biopsy reports do not make you into a time bomb.  Please confirm this with your dermatologist, but I think your anxiety is perhaps more than necessary.  A lot more than necessary.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[momi-twice]

Thanks Dr. Rockoff very much.  I appreciate this!