Top 5 Questions People Ask About Mole Checks in London

1. What changes should make me book a mole check?
2. How accurate is dermoscopy — and is it safe?
3. Do all suspicious moles need to be removed?
4. How quickly do I get biopsy results and what if cancer is found?
5. How often should I have skin checks if I’m high risk?

ABCDE: The Self-Check Framework to Spot Concerning Moles

The ABCDE method helps you identify lesions that deserve a professional review. It’s an aid to vigilance — not a diagnosis. If you notice any of the features below, or a mole that simply looks or feels different from your others (“ugly duckling”), book an assessment.

• A — Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other.
• B — Border: irregular, scalloped or poorly defined edges.
• C — Colour: multiple colours (tan, brown, black, red, white, blue) or uneven distribution.
• D — Diameter: larger than 6 mm — though melanomas can be smaller.
• E — Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or new symptoms such as bleeding or itching.

Our ABCDE mole check appointment turns these observations into a medical assessment with dermoscopic imaging and a clear plan — reassurance, monitoring, or biopsy.

Dermoscopy: Seeing Below the Surface Without a Scalpel

Dermoscopy is a magnified, polarised-light examination that reveals pigment networks, vessels and structures invisible to the naked eye. For patients, it’s quick, painless and improves the accuracy of deciding which lesions can be safely monitored and which need removal. We often capture clinical and dermoscopic photographs to establish a baseline for future comparison.

Dermoscopy is particularly helpful for flat pigmented lesions, facial sun damage, and distinguishing benign conditions (e.g., seborrhoeic keratosis) from early melanoma. We also assess non-pigmented lesions such as basal cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease.

When Do We Biopsy — and What Type?

If a lesion is suspicious on history, examination or dermoscopy, your consultant will recommend a skin biopsy & diagnostic analysis. The type depends on the lesion and location:

• Excisional biopsy: complete removal with a margin — often preferred when melanoma is suspected.
• Shave biopsy: for raised benign-appearing lesions where excision is not required.
• Punch biopsy: a core sample to confirm diagnosis in complex rashes or large lesions.

The sample is examined by a specialist dermatopathologist. We discuss results with you and, if cancer is confirmed, outline next steps, which may include wider excision and follow-up. When benign, we’ll agree on monitoring or cosmetic removal if desired.

What We Commonly Diagnose at a Mole Check

Benign Lesions

• Common melanocytic naevi and atypical naevi
• Seborrhoeic keratoses (“age warts”)
• Dermatofibroma
• Cherry angioma and benign telangiectasia
• Blue naevus
• Epidermal cyst and lipoma

Sun Damage & Pre-Cancer

• Actinic keratosis (AK) — scaly, sun-induced rough patches
• Bowen’s disease — squamous cell carcinoma in situ

Skin Cancer

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the commonest skin cancer
• Early melanoma — in situ and Stage 1
• Other lesions assessed case-by-case, e.g., keratoacanthoma, Merkel cell carcinoma (rare; urgent pathways)

Good to know: Many lesions that worry people are benign and need no treatment. When we recommend removal, we’ll explain why and discuss options within our pre-cancerous & cancerous lesions pathway.

Treatment Options: From Reassurance to Excision

Your plan depends on diagnosis, site, cosmetic priorities and risk. Options include:

• Reassurance & monitoring: for benign lesions; we may photograph and schedule review.
• Topical therapies: selected pre-cancerous lesions respond to medical creams.
• Cryotherapy: precise freezing for individual AKs or benign lesions.
• Curettage & cautery: for superficial lesions in suitable sites.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT): field treatment for widespread actinic damage; see our device page: GME PDT.
• Surgical excision: diagnostic and curative for suspicious or confirmed cancers.

Cosmetic concerns (e.g., raised benign moles, skin tags) can be addressed safely too — we’ll discuss method, healing and scarring expectations before any procedure.

Who’s at Higher Risk — and How Often to Check

• Personal history: previous skin cancer or pre-cancer.
• Family history: melanoma in a first-degree relative.
• Skin type & sun exposure: fair skin, easy burning, outdoor work/sport, past sunburns or sunbed use.
• Multiple/dysplastic naevi: many or atypical moles.
• Immunosuppression: medical or disease-related.

Many people benefit from an annual skin review; high-risk patients may need more frequent checks. We tailor recall intervals and provide a simple self-check routine you can follow at home.

Your Appointment: What to Expect

1. History & mapping: concerns, risk factors, and a head-to-toe check when indicated.
2. Dermoscopy & photos: we examine key lesions and may document them to compare over time.
3. Plan & consent: reassurance/monitoring or removal/biopsy with clear risks and benefits.
4. Aftercare: written instructions and direct contact route for any concerns.
5. Follow-up: review results and agree recall intervals.

If a lesion needs removal, we can often schedule it promptly. For cosmetic removals, we’ll discuss the most suitable technique and expected scarring.

Self-Care & Prevention: Small Habits, Big Difference

• Monthly self-check: scan scalp-to-soles, including nails and soles; use mirrors or a partner for hard-to-see areas.
• Photo log: take clear, consistent photos of moles you’re watching.
• Sun protection: hats, shade, clothing and daily SPF on exposed sites; reapply outdoors.
• Avoid deliberate tanning: sunbeds increase skin cancer risk.
• See us early: a short appointment is often all that’s needed for peace of mind.

FAQs: Mole Checks & Skin Cancer in London