Can I Get Free Mole Removal On The NHS?
Many patients are keen to understand whether they may be entitled to free mole removal on the NHS before they jump in and pay for it themselves privately.
The answer to this is – it depends…
There are some circumstances where the NHS may remove a mole free of charge, but this tends to relate to ‘suspicious’ moles, which are deemed to be at risk of being cancerous.
The majority of moles are not of medical concern. In this case, they are classified as ‘cosmetic’ and treatment is very rarely available on the NHS nowadays for moles that are not considered to be of medical concern or risk.
NHS Removal of Cosmetic Moles
The NHS website states:
“In general, moles are not removed for cosmetic reasons. If you wish to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, then you would almost always need to have it removed privately and will be charged a fee.”
NHS Removal of Suspicious Moles
What’s the process?
Any patient who has concerns about a ‘worrying’ mole’ is advised to see the GP as soon as possible.
If the GP agrees that the mole is suspicious, they will refer the patient to a dermatologist (skin specialist) for an expert assessment. After examination, if the dermatologist thinks that a mole has any abnormal or cancerous cells, they will arrange to remove the mole and this will include a test to see whether there were any abnormal cells.
Signs of a ‘worrying’ mole could include changes shape, colour or behaviour; or just a mole that looks unusual or ‘wrong’.
It is always best to get odd or suspicious moles checked out. If the NHS agrees that they are concerning, they will be removed very quickly and free of charge. The reason for this is to minimise any risk of the cancerous cells spreading.
If your mole turns out not to be worrying and therefore ineligible for removal on the NHS, then private mole removal presents another route. No referrals are required and removal is swift and pain-free.
Private Mole Removal
The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc).
All treatments are carried out by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.
Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:
- No waiting lists
- Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
- Removed moles tested with report provided
Mole Removal and Skin Blemishes
The London Mole Removal Centre offers a range of treatments designed for dealing with unwanted moles, cysts, warts, skin tags and other skin blemishes.
All treatments are carried out by skilled and experienced doctors and surgeons.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.