Hey shgrdii, how are you doing?

All patients diagnosed with 1 or more ams should undergo a complete cutaneous examination. Patients with ams should avoid excessive sun exposure and routinely use a sunscreen with a sun protective factor of 15 or greater.

In 1820, norris proposed an association between nevi and melanoma. He described a family in which 2 members developed melanoma, while other family members had "many moles on various parts of their bodies."

however, the exact appearance of these lesions is unknown. The national institute of health consensus conference on the diagnosis and treatment of early melanoma defined a syndrome of familial atypical mole and melanoma (famm).

The criteria of famm syndrome are as follows: (1) the occurrence of malignant melanoma in 1 or more first- or second-degree relatives; (2) the presence of numerous (often >50) melanocytic nevi, some of which are clinically atypical; and (3) many of the associated nevi show certain histologic features.

Patients with famm syndrome should have a complete cutaneous examination performed at the first office visit and then at least every 12 months for life. An individual with an isolated am has little risk of developing a melanoma and should not be identified as melanoma prone.

For excellent patient education resources, visit emedicine's procedures center. Also, see emedicine's patient education article mole removal.

Best wishes,

Shgrdii ... Your diagnosis means you have some atypical moles (hence the change in size/color) but that they are not cancer. I had two taken out last year with the same exact diagnosis. It's still the safest bet to get them taken off if they change color or size (one of mine changed color and the other size). It's still possible that they may have turned into something down the line, but for right now you are clear!! Since you do have these type of moles, however, it's safest to check yourself regularly so that if any others change shape, etc you can get them removed early on.

I just went to my doctor today to fill out paper work for my surgery to get this removed. The assistant told me that my mother had called because I was so worried and anxious about this thing and she told me that she talked to the doctor and the doctor told her that I will be fine and that I should have nothing to worry about and that nothing will happen between now and my surgery on april 15th. Im still a bit worried, but I feel a lot better. And thanks to both of you for your help. I appreciate it.