Our mole checking services

Our mole checks combine a medical consultation and full examination of your moles or skin lesions. This approach identifies any moles/lesions that may require medical attention and treatment, as well as moles that you may want removed for cosmetic reasons.

During your consultation, moles will be examined with a specialised magnifying light called a Dermatoscope. Your skin will be screened for any moles you are concerned about. We offer an extensive full body check which includes areas that are commonly missed e.g. soles of feet, back etc.

All mole consultations include advice about protecting your skin, as well as how to examine your skin.

We offer a range of treatments should a mole/lesion require removal, whether it be for medical or cosmetic reasons. The method of treatment is tailored to each patient, and will be discussed during your consultation.

For more information, or to book an appointment, get in touch via telephone or e-mail.

About moles

The following patient information is also available as a downloadable PDF.

What are moles?

Moles are collections of pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin. They appear as flat, brown marks and may slowly become raised. They can be found anywhere on the body and some may lose their dark colouring. The vast majority of moles are benign (not cancerous) and do not become malignant.

When do moles appear?

Moles are not usually present at birth. They begin to appear during childhood, adolescence and early adult life. It is unusual to develop new moles when you are in your late thirties or older.

What are the worrying features in moles?

Do get into the habit of checking your moles from time to time and should you notice a mole change in size, shape or colour do not hesitate to get it checked by a specialist. Any one of these changes may indicate that the mole is changing. If you see a new mole appear and grow when you are in your thirties or older it is worth getting it checked as most moles appear in young life. Itching, on its own, without any other symptoms is not usually a sign of malignant change.

What are the typical features of a malignant melanoma?

A malignant melanoma usually looks different from an ordinary mole and may have one or more of these features:

• An irregular edge
• Colour variation
• Quite rapid growth in size over weeks or months
• Bleeding or itching
• It may look very different from your other moles

BE AWARE OF THE MOLE THAT STANDS OUT: IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT - SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

REMEMBER: IF MOLE CANCER (MALIGNANT MELANOMA) IS TREATED EARLY, IT CAN BE CURED