moles

Hello,

I had a skin exam today and my doctor decide to remove two moles.  He said he was not worried about them being cancer but that they were slightly irregular and infrequently they can become cancerous in the future.  I have had both of these moles for years and have not seen any changes develop.  My question is if they were to be cancer would there have been noticeable changes by now?  I have had both of them for over 10 years at least.  I do have light skin which is one of the reasons he said he wanted to remove them.
Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These can be atypical moles. Atypical moles and dysplastic nevi are acquired melanocytic lesions of the skin and they are controversial. Melanoma can develop from dysplastic nevi and atypical moles. So risk of melanoma is there. I suggest you to get a skin biopsy done and the biopsy sample be sent for histopathological evaluation.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.