Skin Lesions
Worrying moles
Moles appear throughout our lives and almost all of them will never cause any problems. Most moles are smooth, evenly brown and may have hairs protruding from them. There are some features of a mole which may be a cause for concern and these include:
A = Area – mole is increasing in size
B = Border – irregular border (most moles are smooth and round)
= Bleeding
C = Colour – uneven colours within mole, especially very black bits
Most mole surveillance should be done within your family but worrying moles should be seen by your GP and then referred to a consultant if the GP feels appropriate. These may then be removed (biopsied) and sent to the laboratory for examination. Your consultant may use a form of magnification to examine worrying moles and may also recommend removal if they are unable to reassure you that the mole is clearly benign.
Cosmetically concerning moles
Moles which worry you because of their appearance may also be removed – by either surgical excision or scraping. The cost of these procedures will generally not be met by your insurance company.
It must be understood however that this process will leave a mark or scar and this is subject to the same process of wound healing and scar formation as any other scar and this may be no better, or even worse, than the pre-existing mole. Teenagers are especially prone to concerns about appearance but this is really not a good age to contemplate mole removal.
Removal is generally done under a local anaesthetic as a day case in the outpatient theatre.
If you would like more information about our Skin Lesions service, please get in contact with us by phoning 020 8971 8000 or use our contact page.
