The Mirror picked up on the shocking news of 32 year old YouTuber and Fortnite gamer Ninja, who revealed that he was receiving treatment for melanoma skin cancer on his foot. 

The feature headlined:

“YouTuber Ninja’s skin cancer symptoms revealed after spotting sign on bottom of his foot”

Ninja (real name Tyler Blevins) initially shared his news on X (Twitter), saying:

“Alright I’m still in a bit of shock but want to keep you all updated. A few weeks ago I went in to a dermatologist for an annual skin/mole check that Jess proactively scheduled for me. There was a mole on the bottom of my foot that they wanted to remove just to be careful. It came back as melanoma, but they are optimistic that we caught it in the early stages.”

More information

The news of Ninja’s diagnosis has since been circulated widely and the online have wished him well with treatment and recovery.

As seen in The Mirror

Expert Melanoma Advice by Dr Ross Perry

The Mirror contacted Dr Ross Perry, GP and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, who outlined 3 telltale signs.

1/ Pearly lesions on the eyelids:

“The eyelids are a common place for skin cancer, around 85% to 95% of eyelid cancers in non-asian countries are basal cell skin cancers.

“Malignant (cancerous) growths on the eyelid can appear brown, black, red or flesh coloured (pearly) it’s important to be aware of any changes such as appearance, shape, colour and growth. They may be crusty or sore, itchy and tender and appear shiny and waxy looking.”

2/ Black marks under the nails:

“Subungual melanoma which can appear under a toenail or fingernail can easily be mistaken for a bruise. Repeated injury to finger – or toenails has been identified as a risk factor for developing subungual melanoma.

“Subungual melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if left so It’s important to get checked out as soon as you can.”

3/ Unexplained scars:

“If you have a scar like patch of skin which appears entirely out of nowhere and continually grows it could be a sign of Basal Cell Carcinoma which is a cancer that grows on parts of your skin that is exposed to a lot of sun.

“It is the least risky type of skin cancer as long as you get it checked out early.”

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/youtuber-ninjas-skin-cancer-symptoms-32451675.

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry often assists the media with his explanations and information. He has extensive experience as an NHS GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor alongside his private work as Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre.

He is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Minimal Scarring Technique

Dr Ross Perry, founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics and the London Mole Removal Centre, demonstrates his 3-step process for sebaceous cyst removal. 

The treatment has been designed to give the best possible results in the long term. This means removing not only the cyst itself, but also all traces of the sebaceous cyst sac, in order to minimise the risk of the cyst developing again in the future. Removing the cyst sac is the best way to minimise the risk of it recurring again. It is far more effective than draining the cyst, which leaves the sac in place.

In addition, careful attention is paid to closing the wound so that it can heal quickly and well. Stitches are tiny and super-neat in order to close the edges of the wound together, as well as working towards a minimal scarring result after healing.

So while patients tend to focus on the immediate removal of the lumpy cyst, Dr Perry’s techniques also provide for the best results in the long term.

This cyst was removed from the patient’s back, where it had been an annoying and uncomfortable growth. The patient was delighted with the result.

Sebaceous Cysts

Cysts are very rounded lumps which form under the skin. They are filled with a substance which can be soft and fluid or harder and semi-solid. It is the presence of the fluid/filling which means that cysts can often be manipulated or moved around beneath the skin.

Cyst Removal London & Bristol

The team at London Mole Removal Centre are highly trained and experienced in removal of unwanted cysts (and sebaceous cysts). Find out more in our Cyst Removal FAQ.

Book an Appointment

London Mole Removal Centre offer appointments at a choice of 5 private skin treatment centres based in London and Bristol. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Most skin lesions can be removed at the same appointment as the consultation, but there is no obligation to proceed unless and until both the patient and doctor are completely happy to do so.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Our Bristol Skin Clinic is pleased to announce the expansion of its services, thanks to the addition of a new consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Matthew Ives.

Mr Matt Ives BristolMr Ives specialises in skin cancer and reconstruction in his NHS career, so is well placed to offer cosmetic mole removal with minimal scarring to the highest standards. He offers laser mole removal and shave excision for smaller moles – procedures that don’t even require stitches. He also offers treatment for larger, raised or more complex moles with surgical ellipse excision – a procedure that normally will involve stitches. Aftercare is all included for peace of mind.

In addition, he also offers a variety of cosmetic procedures for a host of other concerns including sebaceous cysts, pilar cysts and other cysts. He also treats lipomas, warts, skin tags, milia, xanthelasma and other skin lesions.

Mr Ives is a highly qualified and experienced surgeon who is passionate about providing his patients with the best possible care. He is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.In addition to his clinical work, Mr Ives is also a keen researcher and has published a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals. He is also a regular speaker at national and international conferences.

The addition of Mr Ives to the team at the Bristol Skin Clinic is a positive development for the clinic and its patients and is a key part of the Bristol Skin Clinic’s ongoing commitment to providing its patients with the best possible care. The clinic is constantly expanding its services and investing in new technology to ensure that its patients have access to the latest treatments.

Mr Ives commented:

“I am delighted to be joining the team at the Bristol Skin Clinic.

“I am committed to providing my patients with the highest quality of care and I am confident that I can help them achieve their desired results.”

bristol skin clinicAnal/Genital/Vaginal/Penile Moles, Skin Tags and Warts

For the first time, the Bristol clinic is also now offering treatment for embarrassing anal, penile, vaginal and genital issues, including Vaginal Skin Tag Removal, Anal Skin Tag Removal and Genital Wart Removal.

There is no need to be embarrassed or concerned. These procedures are completely pain-free thanks to local anaesthetic. They are usually carried out same day, there and then after the consultation, thereby saving the need for another visit.

If you are looking for a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon in the Bristol area, please contact the Bristol Skin Clinic today to schedule a consultation with Mr Ives.

For clients based in London, a choice of 4 clinics is available with access to a team of highly experienced doctors and surgeons.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and mole removal treatment for unwanted moles. The experienced doctors and surgeons also offer removal treatment for a range of other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma).

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person 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
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Dr Ross Perry, Media Health Expert

The Express’s feature on the importance of sun protection in winter featured a video of Dr Ross Perry explaining the signs and symptoms of melanoma to look for.

The headline read:

“‘I’m a doctor – this is a common mistake people make in winter that can lead to cancer'”

With expert input from Dr Paul Banwell, Founder and former Head of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit (MASCU) in East Grinstead, the article explains:

  1. The skin is still at risk from skin cancer and damage by UV rays during the winter
  2. UVA rays remain constant throughout the year and can get through clouds and fog
  3. Wearing sunscreen is still necessary in the winter months
  4. Skin cancer is of the most common cancers in the UK
  5. Consistent sunscreen use all year round with high sun protection factor (SPF50) can help to protect the skin

The Express article reassures readers that there is a simple solution.

The good news is that consistent and thorough use of one product could protect you against the deadly condition.

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1836245/cancer-common-mistake-in-winter.

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry often assists the media with his explanations and information. He has extensive experience as an NHS GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor alongside his private work as Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre.

He is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

melanoma by earNearly 75% Melanomas Detected by Patients or Non-Medics

Melanoma kills more than 50,000 people worldwide annually. Catching it early dramatically improves the outcomes; and as the majority of melanoma are found by non-medical persons – most often the patient themselves – the emphasis is on self-checking and awareness.

However, a study published in the Journal of Health Communication has shown that there is room for improvement in communications to train people in what to look for.

Eye-tracking technology used in the study showed that illustrations were actually more effective than photos in helping people spot problematic moles, as illustrations led participants to fixate on atypical moles longer than photographs did. However, photos were helpful in making people feel more confident in their self-assessment of what is ‘normal’.

Brigham Young University communications professor Kevin John explained:

“If you are trying to make somebody more effective at determining that a mole is atypical, which means potentially cancerous, then you use illustrations.

“And if the average person is equipped with basic criteria to tell whether a mole is suspicious or not, hopefully that will get them to a doctor.”

Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated very easily with mole removal surgery. Early treatment has excellent outcomes, but as melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics.

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person 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
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

cumulative sun damage skin cancer

Sun damage is the damage that occurs to the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

UV radiation can cause a variety of skin problems, including premature aging, wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer.

Even if you don’t get a sunburn, every time you’re exposed to UV radiation, you’re damaging your skin.

Why don’t we think about cumulative sun damage?

It’s important to remember that sun damage is cumulative, and even small amounts of sun exposure can add up over time. There are a few reasons why we might not think more about the cumulative impact of sun damage.

  1. We’re not always aware of the risks. Many people know that sun exposure can cause sunburn, but they may not be aware of the long-term risks of sun damage, such as premature aging and skin cancer.
  2. We tend to focus on the immediate consequences of our actions. We’re more likely to think about the risk of getting a sunburn today than the risk of developing skin cancer in 20 years.
  3. It’s easy to forget to protect ourselves from the sun. We may be so busy with our daily lives that we don’t always have time to think about sun protection. Or, we may get caught off guard by a sunny day and forget to put on sunscreen.
  4. The effects of sun damage can be gradual and subtle. It can be hard to notice the signs and symptoms of sun damage, such as premature aging and wrinkles, until it’s too late.

What to watch for

There are a number of signs and symptoms of sun damage, including:

  • Premature aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines
  • Sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots
  • Freckles
  • Rough, dry, or leathery skin
  • Actinic keratoses, which are rough, scaly patches of skin that can develop into cancer
  • Changes in the texture or color of moles

Always be alert for any signs of potential skin cancer and seek a doctors appointment straightaway to get a diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can be life-saving.

What to do

The best way to prevent sun damage is to protect your skin from the sun’s UV radiation. You can do this by:

  • Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapplying it every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating
  • Seeking shade, especially during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest
  • Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
    If you notice any signs of sun damage, it’s important to see a dermatologist for regular checkups.

It’s important to take steps to protect your skin from the sun every day, even on cloudy days. Here are some additional tips for protecting your skin from sun damage:

  • Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
  • Be aware of your skin type. People with fair skin, blue eyes, and light hair are more sensitive to the sun and have a higher risk of skin cancer.
  • Protect your skin even on cloudy days. UV radiation can penetrate clouds, so it’s important to protect your skin even when it’s not sunny.
  • Teach your children about sun safety. It’s important to start teaching children about sun safety at a young age to help them develop healthy sun habits that will last a lifetime.

Sun damage is a serious problem, but it’s preventable.

Recognising that sun damage is cumulative is a very helpful attitude. Every time you are burned adds up, but even if you don’t go red or burned, you are still exposing the skin to damaging UVA/UVB.

By taking steps to protect your skin from the sun, you can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and mole removal treatment for unwanted moles. The experienced doctors and surgeons also offer removal treatment for a range of other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma).

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person 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
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

mountain uv exposure sun

If you’re getting ready to ‘climb every mountain’, you need to be prepared. Even though you may find the temperatures a bit cooler, the higher altitude means you are actually more exposed to UV radiation from the sun, because the sun’s ultraviolet rays are stronger at higher elevations.

UV radiation – the science

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. It is emitted by the sun and can also be produced by artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation is divided into three bands: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

  • UVA has the longest wavelength and is the least harmful type of UV radiation. It can cause premature skin aging and wrinkles, but it is not known to cause skin cancer.
  • UVB has a shorter wavelength than UVA and is more harmful. It can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and cataracts.
  • UVC has the shortest wavelength and is the most harmful type of UV radiation. However, it is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth’s surface.

UV radiation levels increase at higher altitudes because there is less atmosphere to absorb the UV radiation.

This has a surprising impact:

  • UV radiation exposure increases 4-5% with every 1,000 feet above sea level.
  • For every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of altitude, UV levels increase by about 10%.

This means that people who live or travel at high altitudes are at a greater risk of exposure to harmful UV radiation and need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the sun.

High altitude sun protection tips

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from UV radiation at high altitudes:

  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
  • Wear sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear a hat that shades your face, ears, and neck.
  • Avoid being in the sun during the middle of the day, when UV levels are highest.
  • Seek shade whenever possible.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation at high altitudes.

In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to UV radiation at high altitudes:

  • Clouds do not block all UV radiation. Even on cloudy days, it is important to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Snow reflects UV radiation, so it is especially important to wear sunscreen and sunglasses when skiing or snowboarding.
  • People with fair skin are more sensitive to UV radiation and are at an increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors at high altitudes without putting your health at risk.

Skin and mole checks

It’s important for everyone to get into the habit of checking your skin regularly. Look for new moles or moles that look odd in someway e.g. misshapen, jagged or a weird colour. Dr Ross Perry always advises patients to be alert to the the ‘ugly duckling’ sign – the ‘odd one out’ that makes a mole different to the others.

In case of concern, the first step is to visit the GP to assess the mole and either rule out skin cancer or arrange a referral as appropriate.

If the mole turns out to be cosmetic (i.e. non-cancerous), private consultations and mole removal are an option.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and mole removal treatment for unwanted moles. The experienced doctors and surgeons also offer removal treatment for a range of other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma).

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person 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
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

As Seen in Dazed Beauty

Dr Ross Perry, UK Mole Expert

Dazed Beauty reported on the worrying trend back towards using sunbeds. It seems that an accelerated tan is in vogue once again as influencers have started filming the process and sharing tips for getting an even faster or deeper tan. 

As the article reports, sunbeds fell out of favour over the last few years, due in part to now being banned for under 18s. However, it is still the young that account for a large part of the market. Melanoma Focus recently shared data that a staggering 42% of 18-25 year olds had used them.

Using sunbeds is known to increase the risk of skin cancer:

  • Using a sunbed even once can increase the risk of melanoma by 20%
  • Using a sunbed can increase the risk of melanoma by 87% under the age of 30

Other potential side-effects include premature ageing and dry skin – a ‘leathery’ look. However, users are not seeing past the the short-term win of getting a quick tan.

Dr Ross Perry MBBS, Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, provided his expert advice for the feature:

“Using a sunbed, even in moderation won’t protect you from damage to the skin or sunburn. In fact, there are some studies to suggest that using sunbeds can be more dangerous than sitting in the midday summer sun abroad. Ultimately, when our body tans, it’s a reaction to damage in the skin cells as it’s exposed to UV radiation, so no matter how infrequent, it’s still not a wise thing to do”

Read the article in full at https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/60365/1/the-great-sunbed-comeback-gen-z-tanning.

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry often assists the media with his explanations and information. He has extensive experience as an NHS GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor alongside his private work as Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre.

He is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

Dr Ross Perry, Media Health Expert

The Express asked Dr Ross Perry to provide his expert advice on how melanoma may be mistakenly identified as age spots, raising health risks for those unaware of the real problem.

While age spots are a benign/harmless cosmetic issue relating to pigmentation, melanoma is much more serious. It is a type of skin cancer. If not caught early enough, it can spread to other areas and can even be fatal.

The Express article was entitled:

“How to spot the difference between age spots and skin cancer – expert on warning signs”

Dr Ross Perry told The Express:

“Age spots and skin cancer can have similarities and if you’re worried, it’s best to get it checked out.”

Age spots vs melanoma – key differences

  • Age spots usually appear as small, flat, brown or black patches
  • Age spots usually appear on areas that get higher levels of sun exposure e.g. face, hands, shoulders and arms.
  • Age spots are usually uniform in colour and have well-defined edges
  • Age spots may increase in number and become slightly darker, but they typically remain unchanged
  • Age spots are usually fat and smooth, while skin cancer can be rough or bumpy
  • Age spots do not cause discomfort, itching or other sensations

Dr Perry told The Express:

“Skin cancer will often have a jagged border and is more than one colour, whereas an age spot should look more like a freckle.”

“Melanoma can grow very quickly and can be life-threatening in as little as six weeks.

“You can get a new mole at any time, or a change to an existing mole, which is when you do need to get it checked out.”

Ross concluded:

“If you find a lesion on your body, it’s best to visit your GP or dermatologist immediately. They will be able to identify whether there is cause for concern.”

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1787074/skin-cancer-or-age-spots-signs.

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry often assists the media with his explanations and information. He has extensive experience as an NHS GP and skin cancer reconstruction doctor alongside his private work as Founder and Medical Director of the London Mole Removal Centre.

He is renowned as an expert in removal of skin lesions. He has removed thousands of moles in his role as Medical Director and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics including the London mole Removal Centre.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering diagnosis and treatment for skin lesions including moles, cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma, milia. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Patients benefit from:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Blemishes can usually be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get very quick treatment
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Testing with report provided where necessary

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

papilloma removal resultsA papilloma is a growth on the skin, which can look quite odd and worrying. The good news is that papilloma is not cancerous. In addition, it can’t turn into skin cancer, as the causes are completely different.

Papilloma are usually caused by HPV – Human Papillomavirus. This is the same family of viruses that causes common warts on the fingers, hands, face and genital areas.

A papilloma is an outward growth on the skin, normally raised from the skin’s surface. They are often lumpy or rough in texture and usually look darker than the surrounding skin. They can also become quite large, typically between 1-5cm, so they tend to be quite noticeable.

If you have any kind of unusual skin lesion then it is always worth getting a proper diagnosis to rule out skin cancer. Skin cancer takes many forms and some do look quite similar to other skin blemishes or lesions.

However, if you have already seen a doctor or dermatologist and been told that you have a papilloma, then you don’t need to worry unless things change. Papillomas do not spread and they do not grow aggressively or quickly at all. So if you have a papilloma that starts to evolve quickly or has other odd symptoms, then it is worth getting it checked again.

How to get rid of papilloma

Papillomas are particularly unwelcome due to their appearance, so most people are quite keen to get rid of them.

As they are not deemed to be harmful from a medical perspective, the NHS rarely fund treatment in the UK. However, private companies such as the London Mole Removal Center offer treatment to remove the papilloma. Treatment can be offered same day and is entirely pain-free as our expert doctors use local anaesthetic where required.

If you don’t like the idea of spending money on surgery then you could certainly try being patient to see if the papilloma might disappear of its own accord without treatment. However, they may not do and you can soon find you’ve had them for many years.

Papilloma Removal By Doctors/Surgeons

The team at London Mole Removal Centre are highly trained and experienced in dealing with papilloma, warts and other difficult skin lesions. The solutions recommended will depend on the the doctor’s assessment and diagnosis of the problem. Options include:

  • Curettage – effectively ‘scraping’ the lesion away under local anaesthetic, before using cautery to stop the bleeding for fast healing and a neat result
  • Laser treatment
  • Surgical excision – using a scalpel to completely remove the blemish and its roots. Usually requires stitches. This is for deep and large papilloma

As mole removal experts, they are also highly experienced in identifying skin cancers. Any worrying lesions can be sent for independent histology/testing for peace of mind.

→ Papilloma Removal

Book an Appointment

London Mole Removal Centre offer appointments at a choice of 5 private skin treatment centres based in London and Bristol. All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field. Most skin lesions can be removed at the same appointment as the consultation, but there is no obligation to proceed unless and until both the patient and doctor are completely happy to do so.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.

 

They may recommend treatments such as freezing or removing the wart, or they may suggest other ways to reduce your risk of getting warts in the future.