Moles are a very common feature on our skin, and while most are entirely harmless, it is important to be aware that changes in existing moles, or the appearance of new ones, can occasionally indicate skin cancer, including melanoma. Regular self-examination and professional mole checks in London are key to maintaining your skin health and ensuring any potential issues are detected early. Dr Tabi Leslie, an experienced consultant dermatologist, provides comprehensive mole checks in London.
What Exactly Are Moles?
Moles, medically termed naevi, are small, coloured spots on the skin composed of melanocytes – the cells that produce melanin, your skin’s pigment. They can vary considerably in appearance. Moles might be light tan to very dark brown or black, and sometimes pink or skin-coloured. Typically, they are round or oval with smooth, well-defined edges and are usually less than 6mm in diameter. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or slightly warty and may even have hairs growing from them. Most moles appear during childhood and adolescence, and it is normal for them to change very gradually and subtly over many years.
The Risks Moles Can Pose
The main concern with moles is their potential to transform into melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes. While less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is more dangerous due to its ability to spread if not caught and treated early.
Recognising Warning Signs: The ABCDEs
The “ABCDE” rule is a useful guide for spotting suspicious features:
- A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.
- B for Border: The edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- C for Colour: The colour is uneven, with multiple shades of brown, tan, black, or even patches of red, white, or blue.
- D for Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller. Any growing mole is a concern.
- E for Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, colour, elevation, or develops new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
Other signs to watch for include a mole that looks significantly different from others on your body (the “ugly duckling” sign), a new mole appearing in adulthood that changes rapidly or a mole that bleeds or becomes itchy without cause. Individuals with fair skin, a history of sunburn, many moles or a family history of skin cancer have a higher risk.
Dr Tabi Leslie’s Mole Checks London
While self-monitoring is important, a professional mole check with an experienced dermatologist like Dr Tabi Leslie offers a more thorough assessment.
What Dr Leslie offers:
- Comprehensive Skin Examination: Dr Leslie performs a full-body skin check, examining all moles, including those in hard-to-see areas.
- Dermoscopy: She uses a dermatoscope, a specialised magnifying device, for a detailed view of moles. This non-invasive technique helps distinguish between benign and potentially suspicious lesions, often enabling earlier melanoma detection.
- Risk Factor Assessment: Your personal and family medical history, along with sun exposure habits, are discussed to assess your individual risk for skin cancer.
- Education and Advice: You will receive personalised advice on sun protection, how to perform self-skin examinations effectively, and what specific changes to look for.
- Management of Suspicious Moles: If a mole appears suspicious, Dr Leslie will discuss the findings and recommend appropriate action, which may include a biopsy (removal for laboratory analysis). If a mole is cancerous, she will explain the diagnosis and treatment options, often involving complete surgical removal.
- Peace of Mind: Professional mole checks can provide significant reassurance. If your moles are normal, you gain peace of mind. If concerns are found, you are taking proactive steps under expert care.
Prioritising Your Skin Health with Mole Checks London
Regular mole checks are an important step in protecting your long-term health, as early detection of melanoma greatly improves treatment success. If you have a mole that concerns you, a family history of skin cancer or simply want a baseline skin assessment, a consultation with Dr Tabi Leslie provides expert care.