Health encyclopaedia

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Diagnosis of Moles

It’s important to check your moles regularly and be aware of any changes in colour, shape or size. Most changes are harmless and are due to a benign (non-cancerous) increase of pigment cells in the skin. However, you should see your GP if a mole looks unusual so it can be checked out.

Your GP will ask you about recent changes that have happened to the mole and when the changes started. They may also ask you about your family history to find out how likely you are to be at risk of melanoma.

If only mild changes are found, your GP will probably take a clinical photograph of the mole, which can be compared again at a later, follow-up visit. If the mole shows signs of turning malignant (cancerous) your GP may recommend cutting out a sample (biopsy) of all or part of the mole. This can usually be carried out in the surgery. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be looked at under a microscope for signs of cell change.

If the mole is a suspected melanoma, you may be referred to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist (specialist skin doctor) for treatment. If there’s one in your area, you may be sent to a pigmented lesion clinic – a type of dermatology clinic that specialises in indentifying suspicious moles and diagnosing malignant melanoma. You’ll probably have two appointments; one for the specialist to look at the mole, and one to have it removed.

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