INTRODUCTION
It is important to take a proactive approach to your health, especially since early diagnosis is the most effective method of treating malignant melanoma and other skin cancers. In fact, in the early stages of skin cancer development, the prognosis for cure by surgical removal is excellent. You should be aware that many skin cancers begin as some form of a mole, or nevus, as they are also called. Doctors call moles "nevi" which is plural for mole. This guide will be helpful if you are considering having a mole removed for reasons of irritation or cosmetic appearance.

What is a normal mole?
Most adults have some sort of tan or brown spots, also known as moles or nevi, on their skin. Moles occur when melanocytes (the skin cells that make the pigment that gives skin its natural color) grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. Many moles begin as a small, flat spot and slowly become raised. With time, they may flatten again, become flesh-colored, and go away.

It is considered normal for people to have between 10 and 40 moles on their body. A person may develop new moles from time to time, usually until about age 40. While most moles never become cancerous, you should always have your moles examined by a doctor, especially if they change shape, size or color, bleed or seem unusual in any way.

What is an atypical mole ?
Moles that are considered unusual or atypical occur in approximately 1 out of every 10 people. To the untrained eye, an atypical mole can look like a normal mole. Under a microscope, however, an atypical mole will display abnormal cell structure and behavior. Until 1992, when the National Institutes of Health officially selected the name "atypical mole", these types of spots were known as dysplastic nevi. While not everyone who has an atypical mole gets melanoma, these moles are more likely to develop into melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. And, because melanoma often looks very similar to an atypical mole, you should consult with your doctor about any abnormal moles or growths on your skin.