Can an unchanged mole actually be an early melanoma?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concern and have viewed the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This could be an atypical/ dysplastic nevus - has irregular borders, looks asymmetric in shape, and is perhaps bigger than 5 mm. It certainly requires a dermoscopic examination or a biopsy. Dysplastic nevi may be confused with early melanoma. Has it changed in any way recently - in terms of size, shape, color, or thickness? How long since you have had it?

Regards.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That is an important piece of information. If it has not changed for so many years then it is certainly not an advanced melanoma. In fact, most dysplastic nevi never turn into a melanoma but they need to be kept under observation - clinical or dermoscopic - for any changes, if they do occur, and subjected to biopsy. Is it different from your other usual moles? Do you have other similar looking moles? Dysplastic nevi look different from the other usual moles in terms of size, shape and usually have an elevated component in the center.

Regards.