Where they may appear

Atypical moles commonly occur on the back, chest, stomach and areas that are more frequently exposed to the elements. But they're not confined to certain areas of the body though and can crop up in other areas instead.

What if an atypical mole starts to change?

An atypical mole that suddenly changes in size or appearance can be a warning sign for melanoma. If you notice that an atypical mole has become bigger, changed color or shape, see a physician or dermatologist as soon as possible for a professional opinion. Likewise, if an atypical mole becomes painful, itchy, crusty, swollen or starts to ooze liquid.

To sum things up, Perrett is adamant that any mole that shows signs of being atypical should be checked out: "Atypical moles have the potential to turn into malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial and is associated with a better outcome in the long-term." It's always better to be safe than sorry, so don't delay if you have even the slightest concern that any of your moles may be atypical.