Evaluating Atypical Nevi
Atypical Nevi is the medical term for moles. Atypical nevi, also called "dysplastic nevi" or Clark's nevi, are acquired moles that have unusual features both in terms of how they look clinically and how they look when biopsied (removed and examined under a microscope).
To the untrained eye, these moles can mimic a malignant melanoma. They may have any combination of the following qualities that are indicators of a malignant melanoma: they may appear asymmetrical, have irregular borders, be unevenly and/or very darkly colored, be larger than a pencil eraser, be unevenly elevated above the skin surface, or some combination of these. An Advanced Dermatology physician should be consulted to determine the exact nature of the mole.