ABCDE Mole Self-Check Rule

Most moles are, fortunately, harmless. However, malignant melanoma is a dangerous and potentially deadly form of skin cancer, so it is absolutely vital to be aware of the warning signs of a ‘suspicious’ mole.

Everybody should regularly check the skin for new or changing moles, bearing in mind the ‘ABCDE’ signs of melanoma, which highlight the common warning signs:

Asymmetry:

These moles look a bit lop-sided. They are different shapes and/or sizes from left to right. As skincancer.org explains:

“If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match”

Borders

Check the edges of moles. If they are uneven, scalloped or notched — not smooth — this might indicate an early melanoma.

Colour

Moles should be a fairly uniform block of colour. Any variation within a single mole is another warning sign — those colors can include brown, tan, black, red or blue.

Diameter

If the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser, then it is cause for concern. However, early melanomas might start out smaller than a quarter of an inch, so don’t discount any that are suspicious yet small.

Evolving

Any moles which seem to be changing in size, shape, colour or height are deemed risky. Also watch out for itchiness, discharge, bleeding or crustiness.

The ‘Ugly Duckling’ Rule

Patients’ moles usually look similar to each other, while dangerous ones look noticeably different. If there is a mole which just doesn’t look or behave the same as the others, then that could be a cause for concern.

Dr Ross Perry, GP and founder of Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinics, refers to this as the ‘Ugly Duckling Rule’.

What to Do

If you have any moles which are causing concern, then see a GP as soon as possible for a diagnosis and referral if necessary for the mole to be removed and tested. Don’t worry about bothering the GP, it is important to rule out any cause for concern and to treat suspicious moles as early as possible.

Cosmetic mole removal

Cosmetic moles cannot unfortunately be removed on the NHS. However, private mole removal is available with organisations such as Skin Surgery Laser Clinic who have a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.

Skin Surgery Laser Clinics

Dr Ross Perry is a qualified and experienced London NHS GP, who founded Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003, an independent company specialising in skin treatments such as removal of lesions/blemishes.

Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma using  freezing, laser or surgical techniques.

For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.