Can children have atypical moles?

Can children have atypical moles?

Melanocytic, dysplastic, or atypical nevi are the scientific terms to describe an atypical, or unusual-looking, overwhelmingly benign, or non-cancerous mole, which are very common in children. They may be congenital or acquired.

What does skin cancer look like on a child?

The symptoms can include: A rough or scaly bump that grows quickly. A wart-like growth that may bleed or crust over. Flat, red patches on the skin that are irregularly shaped, and may or may not bleed.

What does melanoma look like on a child?

While melanoma in adults tends to turn darker, it is often whitish, yellowish, or pink in children. The most common symptoms of melanoma include: A bump on the skin that itches or bleeds. A wart-like spot that is typically yellowish, whitish, or pink.

Can kids have suspicious moles?

Pediatric moles are generally harmless. They continue to appear throughout childhood and adolescence and they may grow as the body grows. They may also naturally darken, lighten or even fade away completely.

When should I worry about a mole on my child?

If your child has a raised, dome-shaped growth or a mole that has a jagged border or different colors, it should be examined by a dermatologist. Bleeding mole: A raised mole can become irritated. If a mole bleeds without reason, it should be checked. A mole that looks like an open sore can be worrisome.

What is an atypical mole?

(ay-TIH-pih-kul mole) A type of mole that looks different from a common mole. Several different types of moles are called atypical. Atypical moles are often larger than common moles and have regular or ragged or blurred borders that are not easy to see.

Can kids get melanoma?

Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, is rare in children. Between 300 and 400 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year1. Because it is so rare, many childhood melanomas are found in the later stages when treatment becomes more involved.

Can a mole be irregular and not cancerous?

Also called dysplastic moles, atypical moles may be genetic or caused by damage from sun exposure. About 1 in 10 people develop atypical moles during their lifetime. These moles are not cancerous, and need not be removed if they are not changing.

Can an asymmetrical mole be non cancerous?

If you look at a benign, or harmless, mole, it is usually symmetrical. On the other hand, a worrisome mole is asymmetrical, meaning if you cut in half, the two sides do not look the same. Benign moles typically have a regular, round border. Cancerous moles tend to have irregular borders.

When should I be concerned about a mole on my child?

A mole that looks like an open sore is also worrisome. Bleeding or a break in the skin can be a sign of melanoma. Bottom line: If your child has a mole that starts to bleed or looks like an open sore, a dermatologist should examine the mole.

Do atypical moles just appear?

Moles, or nevi, typically form during childhood and adolescence, but new moles can appear in adulthood. Although most moles are noncancerous, or benign, the development of a new mole or sudden changes to existing moles in an adult can be a sign of melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer.

What does a atypical mole look like?

Atypical moles can also be flat or raised. They also have these characteristics: They measure more than 1/4 inch (5 mm) across — larger than the size of a pencil eraser. They are irregularly shaped, with uneven borders that may fade into the skin around the mole.

Can a 7 year old have melanoma?

It’s technically possible for a young child to get melanoma, but it’s vanishingly rare. Only about 400 cases of melanoma a year affect Americans under 20. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its pigmentation, or color) grow out of control.

What does a precancerous mole look like?

Whereas a common mole is one color, a precancerous mole is often a mixture of various colors like brown, black, red, or blue.