Moles

Is it normal to have a few moles on the back? I went to the Dermatolgist and they said it was normal. Also what is Atypical nevus syndrome? How many moles do you have to have? 50 or 100.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

It is normal to have a few moles in the back since this is more exposed to the sun. An atypical nevus is a benign growth that may share some of the features of a melanoma, but is not  a melanoma or any other form of cancer. The presence of an atypical nevus may increase the risk of developing a melanoma.  A single atypical nevus may indicate a small risk; this risk increases with the number of atypical nevi present. This may increase to as much as 50 nevi. This link may be helpful:  http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_atypical.html

Take care and do keep us posted.