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Private Mole Check London

At a glance:

Private Mole Check

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Symptoms:

Formation of a new mole or the change in the appearance of an old mole

Diagnosis:

Extensive moles check, which may involve using a dermatoscope for in-depth skin analysis

Treatment:

Monitoring and/or mole biopsy resulting in removal

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

What is Mole Check?

Moles are generally a normal and common type of raised brown or dark skin growth that appears during childhood and adolescence. They can gradually change over time, often becoming less apparent or fading. With age, the number of skin moles can increase.

Although moles are generally harmless, they carry a very high risk of becoming cancerous with sun exposure and changes to their DNA. This is called malignant change, and some moles may become a cancerous malignant melanoma.

If you have new moles, changing moles, or a history of multiple moles, known as atypical mole syndrome, skin cancer screening is highly recommended.

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If you have new moles, changing moles, or a history of multiple moles, known as atypical mole syndrome, skin cancer screening is highly recommended.

Moles can appear on various body parts, including your face, neck, scalp, trunk, ankles, fingers, and toes. They can develop over time, often changing and fading away naturally.

Moles come in many different colours, sizes and shapes, and it is important to learn to distinguish between an ordinary mole and a lesion that is developing or could later develop into skin cancer. Most frequently moles appear as pigmented light or dark brown raised skin lesions. Skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, with malignant melanoma especially prevalent. At Clinica London we regard mole checks as essential if you have a mole that is changing.

Fortunately, according to Cancer Research, the recovery rate is as high as 87%, but going in for a mole screening is vital.

Common mole characteristics vary, but can include:

Different Colours – from brown, black, tan-coloured, red, blue or pink, or almost without colour. Darker during pregnancy or adolescence
Flat, slightly raised
Hair growing from them (usually a benign sign)
Smooth or wrinkled
Most moles are round, though they can also have a somewhat oval shape

If you have a mole which takes any other shape, be aware; this has a higher chance of being or becoming cancerous.

Always be on the lookout for changes in the mole, which may indicate a melanoma. Like all other cancers, the faster a diagnosis is made, the higher the chances of recovery with treatment.

Should you have any concerns or wish to discuss further, feel free to book a consultation at Clinica London at your convenience.

Private Mole Check at Clinica London

At Clinica London, our consultant dermatologists offer a comprehensive process which includes the ABCDE system for mole checks. By examining these factors and considering the dermatoscopic appearance, our Consultant Dermatologist will determine whether your mole raises suspicion and warrants a biopsy. With biopsy, the skin mole is sent to the laboratory for analysis of its constituent cells. This is called Histopathologic examination.

Given the prevalence of moles and the potential changes they may undergo, we recommend that our skilled consultants perform a painless and in-depth private mole check. If you are in London and are concerned about the appearance of your mole, book a consultation for a private mole check with one of our consultants.

Your peace of mind and skin health are our top priorities.

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How Do I Know If a Mole is Cancerous?

The first sign of a skin cancer, such as a melanoma, is often the formation of a new mole or a change in the appearance of an old mole. Typically, moles are small, measuring no more than 0.6mm in diameter, and exhibit a round or oval shape. However, it is not uncommon to find healthy moles larger than 6mm in diameter.

A healthy mole typically displays symmetry, uniform colour, smooth edges, and a diameter of 0.6mm or less. Conversely, moles showing the opposite descriptions such as being uneven in colour or bigger than the standard size, may be a cause for concern, since these can potentially indicate melanoma.

To accurately assess a mole, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist. At London Clinica, we provide a careful evaluation combined with the dermatoscopic appearance. Our expert dermatologists will advise you on whether your mole is questionable and requires a biopsy.

What Happens During a Mole Check?

When you come to Clinica London, your consultant dermatologist will take a detailed history which includes any family history of skin cancer and the amount of sun exposure you have had over your lifetime.

Our consultants will then carry out a comprehensive examination of your skin, looking at the specific lesion or the mole that you have come concerned about.

At Clinica, we use the ABCDE guide, which determines how changes in mole shape might indicate a ‘melanoma’:

A: Asymmetrical shape.

B: Border – irregular, scalloped border.

C: Colour – the mole changes and has many or uneven colours.

D: Diameter – the mole is growing.

E: Evolving – the mole is changing. This change can be concerning size, colour, height, or shape, or it could start to itch or bleed.

Dermatoscope

For further examination, our dermatologists use a dermatoscope to examine every mole on your skin. The dermatoscope acts like a powerful magnifying tool. It helps show the features which determine if the mole may be a benign or cancerous mole.

However, a simple, primary handheld lens cannot penetrate beyond the skin’s surface due to light reflection and scattering. Conversely, the dermatoscope provides much higher magnification and comes with a built-in adjustable light. It can check deeper into the skin’s layers, allowing a detailed examination. Dermatoscopes can even capture images of moles for future reference.

During The Dermatoscopy Procedure

A dermoscopy is a simple, non-invasive and painless skin exam performed with a dermatoscope. No anaesthesia is used and it is painless.

Dermoscopy = dermatoscopy, they are the same technique.

If you have a pigmented skin lesion or mole that is concerning, your physician may perform a dermoscopy. It enables our dermatology consultants to more accurately determine the mole, which can sometimes avoid an unneeded mole removal or skin biopsy.

Our dermatology consultants at Clinica will apply an ultrasound gel or oil onto your skin. This technique enhances the clarity of the images captured by the dermatoscope. Once the gel or oil is applied, the consultant gently presses the dermatoscope onto the skin. Although there is some pressure involved, the procedure is painless. This pressure is necessary to ensure no air bubbles between the device and the skin, which may obstruct the clinician’s view.

The consultant then peers through the dermatoscope in order to get a magnified view of the mole. The images gathered by the dermatoscope may be captured by video and/or still photography. These images can be saved for further evaluation.

Dermoscopy allows for careful monitoring of suspicious skin lesions, especially in those with a high risk of developing skin cancer.

Does a Mole Check Hurt?

Dermoscopy is painless and non-invasive. It involves mild, painless pressure necessary for the consultant to get a clear view during the mole screening.

The Next Steps after Mole Check

The results of the dermoscopy are immediate. If, after the exam, our dermatologist reassures the mole is harmless, nothing more needs to be done.

If dermoscopy indicates a potential skin cancer concern, our dermatologist consultant will conduct a biopsy procedure to obtain a small skin sample for microscopic examination. This procedure may occur during the same appointment or might necessitate a follow-up visit for mole removal.

Various biopsy techniques are available, tailored to your individual needs. The biopsy specialist will carefully consider the mole’s location, required sampling depth, and the amount of tissue necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The biopsy is performed with minimal impact on aesthetics and functionality. After the skin biopsy the area may require stitches to close the skin edges. The stitches are then removed by the nurse 7 to 10 days later as an out-patient at Clinica London. Healing is usually very rapid.

In some cases, our consultant may determine that immediate removal will not be necessary, opting for continued monitoring instead. If this is the case, you will be scheduled for another dermoscopy after a few months to observe any changes in the moles.

We strongly recommend practising sun safety, being attentive to skin changes, and returning if you notice any new developments or have concerns about your skin health. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to guide you through this process and to address any concerns you may have.

OUR CONSULTANTS

At Clinica London, we offer a thorough and patient-focused mole screening service. We understand the importance of peace of mind regarding your skin’s health, and we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of dermatological care. We pride ourselves on a team of expert consultants, each bringing experience to our practice. We have an expert Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Jennifer Crawley.

If you have concerns about your moles or overall skin health, Dr Crawley and our dermatology nursing team are here to support you with exceptional care and expertise.

Dr Jennifer Crawley

Consultant Dermatologist
Children & Adults

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

Pricing

Treatment	Price range
Private Mole Check	£200 – £400
Consultation Fees	Not Included

Initial consultation fees are not included.

Mole Check FAQS

The results of the dermoscopy are immediate, so our consultant dermatologist will discuss the options with you during your appointment if required. The following steps depend on the individual and mole, so it can either be monitored or scheduled to have it removed.

We encourage you to have a yearly check-up for your moles, allowing us to identify any changes. For those with an increased risk of skin cancer, more frequent appointments may be necessary.

If you observe any changes in your moles between appointments, please contact us. We’re here to assist you in booking a mole screening appointment, ensuring your peace of mind and proactive care for your skin health.

Regularly examining your moles is essential, especially if you have numerous moles, fair hair or skin, use sunbeds, or have a family history of skin cancer.

We recommend performing a monthly self-check.

To do this effectively, it’s best to use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror, allowing you to inspect your entire body. Stand in a well-lit room and, if needed, ask a family member or partner to help examine hard-to-reach areas. Make sure to pay attention to less visible spots such as your scalp, the soles of your feet, and the spaces between your fingers and toes.

During your self-examination, watch for any changes in the size, colour, or shape of your moles. Additionally, be attentive for signs like itching, bleeding, or crusting, which could indicate a cause for concern.

If you notice any of these changes, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with a consultant dermatologist promptly.

It is possible to develop skin cancer at any time during your life, especially if you are considered to be at a higher risk for it. Receiving a mole screening can help detect and assist in early prevention. Always remember: early prevention and intervention is essential.

Moles containing cancer cells have the potential to reappear.

One cause of mole regrowth is the presence of leftover cells after the initial removal. Many people choose surgical methods for mole removal, whether cancerous or not, as it ensures the complete removal of all mole cells. Despite this, certain moles might still return, requiring evaluation by one of our consultants.

After mole removal, it’s necessary to monitor the area closely. Early observation is essential to detect any reappearance promptly and address the situation effectively.

ABCDE guide helps to determine any changes in the mole that may indicate a ‘melanoma’: