Moles can be flat or raised
Always see a doctor if you notice any change in appearance – such as change in shape or colour.
what are moles?
Moles are benign skin lesions that present as a raised, usually brownish lesion of the skin. They usually grow slowly, but sometimes grow quickly if they become inflamed.
Any changes in the appearance of a mole (for example becoming larger, or darker) will need urgent assessment to exclude skin cancer (malignant melanoma).
Skin cancer (melanoma) is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. You are far more at risk during the summer as it’s caused by UV radiation affecting skin cells. The most common sign of skin cancer is a new mole or a mole that has changed its shape or colour recently. If you think you have any new moles or an existing mole has changed shape or colour – always consult a doctor.
Top 3 tips to help prevent skin cancer:
- Check your moles regularly
- Use this simple ABCDE system to help identify what you’re looking out for
- Protect your skin by using sunscreen with a UV factor of at least 30. Getting sunburnt once in 2 years can triple your risk of melanoma
We have a regular Mole Clinic at the Spire Sussex Hospital in Hastings. Call us to find out more information.
Symptoms
Moles are rarely painful or itchy. They can sometimes be traumatised resulting in bleeding.
Treatment
The best way to treat moles is to surgically remove them. This reduces the chance of them coming back again. This can be done under local anaesthetic as an outpatient procedure. Scarring is minimised by siting the incision in the natural skin creases.