The patient has many moles that look very varied in appearance. Many consider this as the hallmark of the condition. The moles are multicolored, variegated and borders appear indistinct. There may be few or even hundreds.
Skin biopsy is needed in suspicious moles to make the distinction.
Patients with a family member with melanoma and the atypical moles are at an increased risk of melanoma. The entire skin should be examined not forgetting scalp, eyes, palms, soles and buttocks. Patients may maintain records of their moles dividing their body into regions scalp, neck, chest, back, abdomen, upper arms, thighs, legs, feet, hands. This is done every 3 months. Avoidance of sun exposure and sunscreens help to prevent and reduce the risk of melanoma.