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Atypical Mole Syndrome

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Atypical Mole Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

B-K Mole Syndrome
CMM
Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma, Hereditary
DNS, Hereditary
Familial Atypical Mole-Malignant Melanoma Syndrome
FAMMM
HCMM
Malignant Melanoma, Dysplastic Nevus Type
Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Atypical mole syndrome, also called dysplastic nevus syndrome, is a disorder of the skin characterized by the presence of many mole-like tumors (nevi). Most people have 10-20 moles over their bodies. People with this syndrome often have more than 100 moles, at least some of which are unusual (atypical) in size and structure. These moles vary in size, location, and coloring. They are usually larger than normal moles (5mm or more in diameter) and have irregular borders. Changes in the appearance of these moles must be taken seriously by patients since such changes may foreshadow the onset of cancerous disease.

Individuals with atypical mole syndrome are at greater than others for developing cancer of the skin in the form of malignant melanoma. Atypical mole syndrome is thought by some clinicians to be a precursor or forerunner of malignant melanoma. This type of cancer may spread to adjacent parts of the skin or, through the blood and lymph circulation, to other organs.

Resources

Nevus Network
The Congenital Nevus Support Group
P.O. Box 305
West Salem, OH 44287
USA
Tel: 4198534525
Fax: 4053773403
Email: info@nevusnetwork.org
Internet: http://www.nevusnetwork.org

Skin Cancer Foundation
245 Fifth Avenue
Suite 1403
New York, NY 10016
Fax: (212)725-5751
Tel: (800)754-6490
Email: info@skincancer.org
Internet: http://www.skincancer.org

American Cancer Society, Inc.
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
USA
Tel: 4043203333
Tel: 8002272345
Internet: http://www.cancer.org

Nevus Outreach, Inc.
600 SE Delaware Ste. 200
Bartlesville, OK 74006
USA
Tel: 9183310595
Fax: 2814174020
Tel: 8774263887
Email: mark@nevus.org
Internet: http://www.nevus.org

Friends of Cancer Research
2231 Crystal Drive
Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22202
Tel: (703)302-1503
Fax: (703)302-1568
Email: info@focr.org
Internet: http://www.focr.org

Wellness Community
919 18th Street N.W.
Suite 54
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202)659-9709
Fax: (202)659-9301
Tel: (888)793-9355
Email: help@thewellnesscommunity.org
Internet: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org

Lance Armstrong Foundation
PO Box 161550
Austin, TX 78716-1150
Tel: (512)236-8820
Fax: (512)236-8482
Tel: (866)235-7205
Internet: http://www.livestrong.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 4/9/2004
Copyright 1989, 1997, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: April 09, 2004

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.