Yes, it can be normal, but only a biopsy can tell for sure. I've had some removed for cosmetic reasons (so the doc said), and it turned out to be terribly atypical and removed 2x to the margins to remove it fully so it can never turn into cancer. So, it's really hared to tell .. using instincts is good sometimes, too, as you've done to have it fully checked out.
C~
I have a mole on my stomach I have had since birth. It has recently started itching. Its a flat mole so clothes don't irritate it. I have some dry skin but my stomach is one area my skin is not so dry. The mole don't get red or anything it just itches. It has changed some in the past 15 yrs. Color has gotten darker but over years not any fast or sudden changes except the itching. Should I be worried?
Atypical means "not normal", but does not necessarily mean cancerous. Only the biopsy can make that determination.
It certainly does not have to be melanoma. There are other skin cancers, skin lesions, or pre-skin cancers that give the same determination of "atypical".
He's doing the right thing by getting it looked at for his own piece of mind.