Hello! Magazine: Skin Cancer and Mole Tracking
Expert Advice from Dr Ross Perry
hellomagazine.com featured expert advice from Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinics founder Dr Ross Perry in its feature ‘Skin Cancer: How to keep track of your moles and spot danger signs’.
The feature summarised the challenge succinctly:
“However you chose to do it, make sure you do it”
Unfortunately, mole checking and tracking is not a priority for most of us; yet it is a vital health check. The outcome of skin cancer treatment is massively influenced by how early the problem was caught. Not noticing or ignoring worrying skin lesions early enough could have devastating consequences.
3 Ways to Check Moles
Hello! touches on 3 options for mole checking:
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Self-Checking
Dr Ross Perry says:
“The most important thing is to look at all of you. Once you’re out of the shower, or if you’re at the gym, somewhere in front of a mirror, you need to be able to compare your moles. So what you’re looking for is the ugly duckling sign – basically a funny looking mole.”
If you have any concerns, Ross advises people to see the GP straightaway.
“If you’re worried about anything then go to your GP and they can refer you on if something looks concerning.”
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Mole Clinics
Companies like Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a full body mole check, where moles are examined top to toe. Careful records are taken so that results can be compared in future. An annual check is recommended to keep on top of any changes.
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Mole Checking Apps
Hello! Magazine mentions the option of apps. Some which attempt to diagnose a cancerous lesion have been criticised in the past, but the latest generation such as MoleScope enable people to photograph and log their moles onto a 3-D image of their body which makes future comparisons quick and easy. The advanced (paid) version comes with a mobile dermoscope which adds a special lens to the phone, allowing it to be pressed right up to the skin allowing quick and simple comparisons of photographs from a month, a few months or a year ago, to make sure you can alert you doctor the moment things seem to be changing.
“Moles do change over time, and some of those changes are harmless, but this means you can see your doctor if you notice anything unusual, armed with high quality images for them to see for themselves.”
For those who are not visiting a clinic for mole checking – either simple check at home or using an app – the key messages are:
- Ensure that you check for moles thoroughly and regularly
- Always see a GP asap if you have any concerns
Hellomagazine.com Article
Read this article in full at: https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/2018091562355/skin-cancer-signs-at-home-app/
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Dr Ross Perry is a qualified and experienced London 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.
