Skin Cancer Signs You Should Never Ignore (Dermatologist Guide)

By Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist — London • 7–9 min read

A new or changing mole, a non‑healing scab, or a pearly bump that bleeds deserves prompt expert review. As a consultant‑led clinic in Maida Vale, serving Central London, St John’s Wood and Paddington, we diagnose and treat skin cancer with precision — from same‑day dermatoscopic checks to surgical removal performed personally by the consultant when required.

Worried About a Mole or Non‑Healing Spot?

Book a consultant mole and skin cancer check in Maida Vale. Dermatoscopy, diagnostic biopsy and treatment options under one roof.

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The Key Warning Signs (Know the ABCD… and Beyond)

Look for the classic ABCD mole check cues: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variegation, Diameter >6mm — plus E for Evolution (any change). Other red flags:

Pearly, translucent bump that bleeds easily (suggestive of basal cell carcinoma)
Scaly, non‑healing patch or crusted sore (consider Bowen’s disease or actinic keratosis)
Firm, tender nodule or rapidly growing lesion
New dark streak in a nail (see melanonychia)
Changing pigmented mole (see melanoma in situ, melanoma stage 1)

How We Check Suspicious Lesions

Your appointment starts with a focused history and dermatoscopic examination using magnified polarised light to reveal sub‑surface patterns invisible to the naked eye — see our dermatoscopy service. If features are uncertain or high‑risk, we perform a diagnostic skin biopsy for rapid histology.

Common Skin Cancers We Treat

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Often appears as a pearly bump with surface vessels or a scab that keeps returning. It grows locally and rarely spreads, but early removal prevents deeper invasion. Selected superficial BCCs may also respond to photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Presents as a scaly, tender nodule or ulcer on sun‑exposed skin. Needs prompt excision. Precursors such as actinic keratosis and Bowen’s disease should be treated to reduce progression risk.

Melanoma

A changing mole, new dark lesion or evolving nail streak needs urgent assessment. Early‑stage disease is curable with precise surgery; delays increase risk. Read more at skin cancer overview.

Treatment Options — Consultant‑Led, Precise, and Personal

Your plan is tailored to cancer type, size, site, and cosmetic priorities. At Skinhorizon, excision surgery is performed personally by the consultant dermatologist when indicated. Options include:

Excision with margins for BCC, SCC and melanoma in situ
Complex closure techniques to optimise scar placement and cosmetic outcome
Skin grafts or local flaps where tissue preservation is crucial (e.g., face, nose, ear)
PDT for suitable superficial lesions or field cancerisation

Explore our treatment pathways: precancerous & cancerous lesion treatment and mole removal.

Consultant Mole Check & Skin Cancer Treatment in London

Same‑day dermatoscopy, biopsy if needed, and consultant‑performed surgery for precise, safe outcomes in Maida Vale.

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Aftercare, Scars & Follow‑Up

You’ll leave with a clear wound‑care plan and scar optimisation advice. We schedule follow‑up checks to monitor healing, review pathology, and plan surveillance. For those with extensive sun damage, we discuss field therapy and regular checks to reduce future risk.

Who Should Book a Skin Cancer Check?

Any new or changing mole (especially asymmetry, colour change, itch, bleed)
Lesions that do not heal within 4–6 weeks
History of sunburns, tanning beds, or outdoor work
Fair skin, many moles, or family/personal skin cancer history
Immune‑suppressed patients

Unsure? Start with an expert triage and, if appropriate, a same‑day dermatoscopic full‑skin review. See our dedicated pages on atypical naevus and actinic keratosis.

FAQs: Skin Cancer Checks & Treatment in London

Do all suspicious moles need to be removed?

No. Many lesions are benign under dermatoscopy. We biopsy or excise only when clinical criteria are met.

Will I have a visible scar after removal?

Any excision leaves a scar, but careful planning, layered closure and aftercare optimise cosmetic outcomes. Facial lesions often heal exceptionally well.

Is PDT a substitute for surgery?

PDT is effective for selected superficial lesions and sun‑damage fields, but invasive or high‑risk cancers are best managed with surgery.

How quickly can I be seen?

We offer rapid appointments. If a lesion is concerning, we prioritise same‑week review and biopsy when required.

Who performs the surgery?

At Skinhorizon Clinic, surgical excisions, grafts and complex closures are personally performed by the consultant dermatologist when indicated.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general education and not individual medical advice. Please book a consultation to assess suitability, risks and expected outcomes.