Moles

Most moles don’t cause any symptoms. If you notice changes in a mole, make an appointment with a dermatologist. 

Changes may include: 

• a change in size, shape, or colour

• inflammation, bleeding, or crusting

• pain or itching

Moles occur when clusters of pigment-producing skin cells, called melanocytes, grow together instead of being spread out across your skin. You may be born with moles, or they may appear in childhood or adolescence. It’s rare to develop a new mole after the age of 40. 

Atypical moles are unusual-looking moles that have abnormalities when examined under the microscope. Though benign (noncancerous), they have a higher risk of developing into melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.

Atypical moles can be caused by: 

• genetics

• environmental factors such as exposure to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds

• hormonal changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause

You may be at higher risk of developing atypical moles if you have: 

• a personal or family history of skin cancer or atypical moles 

• fair skin, light eyes or hair

• freckles

• do not tan, and burn easily in the sun

• many moles

• photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight)

• a history of sunburn

At your initial consultation, your dermatologist will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination of your moles. 

When diagnosing possibly cancerous moles, your dermatologist will follow the ABCDE protocol. This stands for: 

• asymmetry – the skin on one half of your mole is different from the other half

• border – the edges of your mole are uneven, blurred, ragged, or irregular

• colour –  your mole has several different colours, such as tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red

• diameter – the diameter of your mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil

• elevation/evolution – your previously flat mole becomes raised, or it changes over a short period of time

If your dermatologist is concerned about a mole, they’ll perform a skin biopsy where a small sample of your mole is taken and sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

Normal moles can’t be prevented and pose no threat to your health. 

Most atypical moles are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. You can help prevent atypical moles by: 

• seeking shade, especially when UV rays are strongest, between 10am and 4pm 

• using a high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) 

• covering up when in the sun

• avoiding tanning beds and lamps

The biggest complication of moles is that they can lead to a dangerous form of skin cancer called melanoma. 

Other complications can include:

• itching, bleeding, or inflammation of the mole due to friction as it rubs on your clothes

• emotional or psychological issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem, if your mole is visible, unsightly or prominent

Most moles are harmless and don’t need to be treated. If you have an abnormal mole or have been diagnosed with a cancerous mole, your dermatologist will advise you on the best course of treatment. 

If you have a high risk of developing melanoma or atypical moles, it’s important to monitor them closely for any changes. 

At Welbeck, we offer 2 ways of assessing and monitoring your moles:

• manual mole checks –  this is where a consultant examines your skin both by eye with the help of a device called a dermatascope. Prices range from £200 to £250, depending on the consultant you see

• 360 mole mapping – a procedure that can detect moles, pigmentation and skin lesions using AI to flag any possible abnormalities. During the procedure, photos are taken of your entire body and turned into a 3D avatar. The images are also assessed by a consultant. Any changes are then picked up at your next mole mapping appointment as the previous images are compared to the new ones. Mole mapping costs £495

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.