Mole Checks – What To Look for

Dr Ross Perry has produced a short video to help patients carry out quick and essential mole checks to identify any worrying or suspicious blemishes. 

Although more people are now aware of the importance of self-checking, many do not really know what to look for.

As one of the UK’s leading experts on moles on the skin, Ross shares his advice.

Mole Check Video

Dr Perry explains:

“It is important that we be vigilant for the moles that we currently have, but also the ones that may potentially develop.”

How often should a mole check be carried out?

“The simple things with any mole checking is to do it regularly – so every 3 months as a rough rule.”

mole check videoWhere should you look for worrying moles?

“…make sure your entire body is checked as well; and that means just looking top to toe, head to foot, in any area where there is some skin. So the back of your bottom, parts of the soles of your feet; all these areas can in theory develop a mole and a potential skin cancer as a result.”

The ‘Ugly Duckling’ rule – what to look for

“It’s normally pretty easy to spot what we call the ‘ugly duckling’.

“So this is a mole that just looks different from all your other moles. It’s often dark, it’s often flat, and it often doesn’t really cause any symptoms.

“If you’ve got a mole that looks different from all your other moles and is changing, then that’s something to keep an eye on; or maybe if you’re concerned, go and see your doctor.”

Ross concludes:

“Remember, the simple things are to be done at home, which is check regularly; and if in doubt, check it out.”

ABCDE Rule – Mole Checks At Home

Dr Ross Perry has removed thousands of moles for cosmetic reasons alongside his work in the NHS as a GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor.

He suggests the ‘ABCDE’ approach to identifying which moles are of potential concern:

  • Asymmetry: a mole that looks a uneven or lopsided
  • Border: mole edges that are jagged, rather than smooth
  • Colour: patchy, varied or unusual tones of colour
  • Diameter: anything larger than the size of a pencil eraser is unusual
  • Evolving: moles which seem to be changing in size, shape, colour or behaviour (e.g. itchiness, discharge, bleeding etc).

Again, it comes back to the ugly duckling rule – a feeling that something is just not quite right or the same as the others. Ross concludes:

“You are not looking for all these symptoms to be present – just one could be a cause for concern.

“The overriding theme is that a suspicious mole is one that just looks ‘wrong’ or ‘different’ to the others and if you have a hunch or any concern that something needs checking out, see a GP for a professional opinion.”

Professional Mole Check

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 and surgeons.

Skin Surgery Laser Clinics

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.

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

Treatment using  freezing, laser or surgical techniques is available at Skin Surgery Laser Clinic who have a selection of locations conveniently based in London and Bristol. All procedures are carried out by highly trained and experienced doctors and surgeons.

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