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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Mild Atypical Moles
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Mild Atypical Moles
by rebaskye, Oct 21, 2006 12:00AM
I see a dermatologist twice per year for skin check (I am a 41 year old female living in a northern climate however I traveled to the caribbean often over the years and have used tanning beds). 2 years ago I had a mole removed. My doctor and dermatolgist both thought the mole looked fine - however after it was removed the report cmae back "mildy atypical". I guess I overreactied and since then have been very worried about my moles (although I don't have many..I seem to have more sun spots).
Since then I have had 4 more moles removed and they were all normal. About 6 months ago I had one removed from my back - the dermaotolgist did a shave removal? and this report came back normal. About 2 months later the mole started growing back so the dermatologist removed it again and this time the report was "mildy atypical". She said not to worry - that sometimes happens. The funny thing is the 2 moles I had removed which were "mildy atypical" were read by a pathologist. However the other moles which were normal were read by a derma- pathologist.
I live in a remote area and we do not have a dermapathologist...therefore when things are busy testing is sent out of our province and are then read by a derma-patholgist.
I have done some reseach and it appears that mild atypical moles are very common. I would think that many people may have them and not know unless they are removed or tested.
My question(s) to you are:
Do you feel I am over reacting to a reading of 2 mild atypical moles given the circumstances I have just explained and is it possible that the reading of "normal" versus "mildy atypical" has anything to do with the fact that they were read by a "pathologist" versus a "dermapathologist" ?
Also - is it common for mole removed via shaved biopsy which was read as normal to grow back with mild atypia?
Thank you
Since then I have had 4 more moles removed and they were all normal. About 6 months ago I had one removed from my back - the dermaotolgist did a shave removal? and this report came back normal. About 2 months later the mole started growing back so the dermatologist removed it again and this time the report was "mildy atypical". She said not to worry - that sometimes happens. The funny thing is the 2 moles I had removed which were "mildy atypical" were read by a pathologist. However the other moles which were normal were read by a derma- pathologist.
I live in a remote area and we do not have a dermapathologist...therefore when things are busy testing is sent out of our province and are then read by a derma-patholgist.
I have done some reseach and it appears that mild atypical moles are very common. I would think that many people may have them and not know unless they are removed or tested.
My question(s) to you are:
Do you feel I am over reacting to a reading of 2 mild atypical moles given the circumstances I have just explained and is it possible that the reading of "normal" versus "mildy atypical" has anything to do with the fact that they were read by a "pathologist" versus a "dermapathologist" ?
Also - is it common for mole removed via shaved biopsy which was read as normal to grow back with mild atypia?
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Oct 21, 2006 12:00AM
, Oct 21, 2006 12:00AM
The terms "atypical" and "dysplastic" are vague and imprecise. Different pathologists (even dermatopathologists) use them to mean different things. Basically, though, "mild atypia" means nothing, and I think you can ignore the discrepancy between the two readings. And yes, it is common for moles to grow back after shaving. The second reading of atypia in that context is likewise unimportant. I think you're OK.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
