i News’s feature on the alarming rates of male deaths from skin cancer featured 80 year old Mick Goss, whose regular mole checks with Dr Ross Perry had picked up a series of carcinoma which have now been removed.

Mick explained how he had grown up in an era where sunblock was not really understood or worn on a regular basis. He’d spent some of his childhood in Zimbabwe and regularly suffered from sunburn.  He explained:

“Men are more cavalier with regard to their skin. Unfortunately once the damage is done the risk increases and we are more likely to develop skin cancer later on in life which is annoying as it’s certainly less likely if you are sensible.

“I wish I’d had the knowledge to stay out the sun but it was just not known in my generation.”

As with many patients, the historical sun damage was to cause problems decades later.

In his 50s, Mick noticed dry and irritable patches of skin which were initially treated with creams and freezing.

However, in his 60s and 70s, Dr Ross Perry diagnosed 2 squamous cell carcinomas and a series of basal cell carcinomas which were treated by surgical excision.

  • Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the second most common form of skin cancer. They often look like scaly red patches, sores, warts or raised growths. They can crust or bleed. The squamous cell carcinoma is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and are considered quite dangerous, as there is a risk that they can grow and spread within the body
  • Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for over 80% of cases in the UK.  These can look like open sores, bumps or scars. There is a smaller risk of BCC spreading, but it is still important to treat them promptly

Skin cancer can appear many years after the original sun damage and it is important to be vigilant for any worrying or changing moles.

Mick had a number of skin lesions removed. He told i News:

“Luckily these were picked up early on as I was having regular mole checks with Dr Ross Perry at Cosmedics Skin Clinics.”

Mick advised anyone concerned about worrying moles to see their doctor straight away, adding a caution about the dangers of sun exposure:

“The main advice I would say to men is to apply sun cream and be careful in the sun. The skin will get damaged if you are not careful and cause problems later on which could have been avoided.”

Read Full Article on inews.co.uk

Read this article in full at: https://inews.co.uk/news/health/skin-cancer-deaths-men-cavalier-sun-protection/

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks and mole removal with their trained and experienced doctors. Clients can choose a standard consultation for specific moles of concern, or else book a full top to toe mole check for peace of mind.

The doctors also offer treatment for other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc). 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.

with Dr Ross Perry

Founder London Mole Removal Centre & Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Men’s Health looked at the early signs of skin cancer melanoma, after new research showed that 89% of men never wear sun cream in the UK and 10% never wear it at all. 

Not wearing sunscreen exposes the skin to the full force of the sun’s UV rays, which are known to be a primary cause of melanoma (skin cancer).

The feature explained what melanoma is:

  • Melanocytes produce melanin within the skin – the pigment which creates suntan and moles
  • Melanoma is a form of skin cancer caused by DNA damage to the melanocytes, which causes pigment cells become malignant and grow at an abnormally fast rate

Dr Ross Perry provided expert advice on how to identify melanoma. He said the most important thing was to check for changes in your skin to spot them as early as possible:

“The most common sign is an ‘odd’ mole which looks or behaves differently to normal

“It could have unusual coloration, shape or appearance. In terms of behaviour, it may be itchy, crusty, bleeding or oozing. Not all symptoms will be present. The key is to look out for something that looks suspicious and get it checked ASAP.”

Melanoma Facts

The Men’s Health article featured some sobering facts from a variety of skin experts, which underline the importance of sun protection and regular skin checks:

  • Damage caused by UV rays can sometimes take up to 20 years to appear
  • Earlier diagnosis gives the best chances of a good outcome
  • Thin melanoma (under 0.75mm thick) has a 95% chance of survival
  • A thicker melanoma (over 4mm) has 25% chance of survival
  • Getting sunburn just once every 2 years trebles the risk of melanoma
  • Pink skin in the sun is a sign of skin damage
  • Using a sunbed once before the age of 35 increases the chance of skin cancer by 75%

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks and mole removal with their trained and experienced doctors. Clients can choose a standard consultation for specific moles of concern, or else book a full top to toe mole check for peace of mind.

The doctors also offer treatment for other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc). 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.

Cholesterol Spots

Xanthelasma is the medical term for cholesterol spots – the yellow coloured bumpy and uneven spots that can appear on or around the eyelids. 

The phrase ‘cholesterol’ may cause some alarm and many patients worry as to whether cholesterol spots are a sign of cholesterol problems.

Should I worry about cholesterol?

Xanthelasma are NOT necessarily a sign of having cholesterol problems. You can have cholesterol spots WITHOUT having any cause for concern about your cholesterol levels – just as there are some slim people who DO have raised cholesterol.

However, we do know that about half of the patients who have Xanthelasma have elevated levels of cholesterol. We also know that cholesterol spots tend to affect those in middle age more, a time when cholesterol becomes more of a concern to a person’s overall health.

So if you have xanthelasma, it is sensible to consider whether you might have raised cholesterol, as that is known to increase your risk of associated conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or heart disease. If you have any worries about cholesterol, diet or other associated health risks, then do see a GP to discuss your concerns. A cholesterol test is fairly straightforward and if you do have above normal levels of, then treatment is likely to involve either a healthier diet or medication, or both.

Reducing cholesterol will reduce your risk of developing cholesterol deposits around the eyes, but it will not get rid of existing xanthelasma once they have developed.

Should I worry about cholesterol spots?

The NHS usually consider xanthelasma themselves to be harmless.

They are not cancerous or contagious and are highly unlikely to become infected. They are therefore classed as a ‘cosmetic’ problem by the NHS, which means that free treatment is unlikely to be forthcoming.

How can I get rid of xanthelasma?

Xanthelasma removal is a minor surgery procedure which can be carried out by appropriately qualified surgeons.

Don’t be put off by the word ‘surgery’ – it is a simple in-clinic treatment which is carried out under local anaesthetic. Dressings are kept to a minimum and the emphasis is on removing enough tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence while also ensuring minimal scarring.

This procedure is offered by Ms Marion Grob at Cosmedics’ London Mole Removal Clinic.

Private Skin Surgery

Cosmedics’ London Mole Removal Centre offer treatment for a range of skin lesions and blemishes including cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma at its own private 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
  • Blemishes can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • Choice of clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed lesions can be tested with report provided if required

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

The number of moles you have on your skin might mean a higher risk of melanoma, so if you have lots of moles, it is worth understanding how that may link to potential skin cancer. 

Having ‘lots of moles’ is defined as having more than 50 small moles (under 5mm diameter) OR 5 or more large moles (over 5mm diameter – almost 1/4 inch).

A higher number of normal moles increases the risk of experiencing melanoma compared to the general population with UNDER 50 moles.

  • 51-100 moles = 3.7 times the risk of developing melanoma.
  • Over 100 moles = 7.6 times the risk of developing melanoma

The reason for this increased risk is that melanoma often arises in existing moles, so having more moles increases the risk.

It certainly does not mean that you will definitely get melanoma – many people with larger numbers of moles do not get the disease – but an increased risk means that it is all the more important to take precautions against sun exposure and also to be vigilant for any worrying or suspicious moles that look ‘abnormal’.

Check for Melanoma

Regular skin checks are especially important for those with a lot of moles. Spotting any changes or unusual lesions means that you can see the GP as soon as possible to get it checked out and seen to if necessary.

Worrying Moles

The worrying warning signs to look for are:

  • Asymmetry – unequal shape or lopsided appearance
  • Border – uneven or jagged edges
  • Colour – patchy or unusual tones
  • Diameter – unusually large size
  • Evolving – noticeable changes including appearance (size/shape/colour) or behaviour (itchiness/discharge/bleeding/scabbing/oozing)

Melanomas caught at the earliest stage can be treated with mole removal surgery. Early intervention has excellent outcomes and in many cases no further treatment is required. However, as melanoma progresses and spreads, the chances of a positive outcome decline.

The good news is that most worrying moles are likely to be harmless, but it is so important to get it checked out as soon as possible to be on the safe side.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

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

Where the mole is not considered medically a risk, then the NHS will usually deny mole removal on the basis that it is just ‘cosmetic’, so treatment in the private sector is the best approach.

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.

If you have concern about skin cancer, then you may find links to the NICE Guidelines helpful to find out what guidance is provided for doctors working in the NHS as well as the general public. 

NICE stands for The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. It is the body responsible for providing guidance, advice and information services for health, public health and social care professionals on issues such as medicines, treatments, procedures, clinical practice and health promotion.

What to do if you’re worried

The NICE guidelines state:

“Your GP can check your symptoms, and may carry out tests if they are needed, to see if you should be referred to a cancer specialist.”

So the first port of call should be your family doctor for an examination and referral if appropriate.

The NICE guidelines reassure the public that many concerns turn out not to be cancerous, saying:

“Being referred to a specialist does not mean that you have cancer. Very few people who are referred to a specialist actually have cancer. However, it is important that you are checked quickly to find out. If you do have cancer, spotting it early can mean treatment is easier and more likely to be successful.”

So DO book an appointment to get it ruled out but DON’T worry until you have had a consultation with your GP. They will either put your mind at rest or arrange a referral to a specialist for further examination, diagnosis and treatment as necessary.

What to do when it’s not cancer

Firstly, it is vital to have a diagnosis to rule out skin cancer.

As most ‘lumps and bumps’ turn out not to be cancerous, the NHS will be unable to offer any treatment where there is no medical concern, classifying them as ‘cosmetic’ issues.

In this case, where patients want the mole or blemish removed, it would need to be done privately.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

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

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained and highly experienced in the field
  • Latest laser and skin surgery mole removal techniques
  • 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 for peace of mind, with full histology report provided

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

Sebaceous hyperplasia appear as small yellow bumps on the skin which most commonly seen on the forehead. They are up to 3mm in diameter and have a distinctive whitish rim.

The bumps are harmless, but unsightly, so many patients are keen to find an effective treatment. However, before contemplating any treatment, it is always helpful to understand what causes sebaceous hyperplasia.

Causes of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

  • Sebaceous hyperplasia are caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excessive sebum. Sebum is an oil naturally produced by the skin to keep it supple and hydrated. However, when too much sebum is produced, it can cause a range of problems, including acne, greasy skin or hair. In the case of sebaceous hyperplasia, the excessive sebum becomes trapped inside the gland which then causes it to swell and form a bump under the skin, where the hair follicle is surrounded by yellowish buildup
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia tends to be age-related. It is most common in middle-aged or older people
  • Patients with fair skin are more susceptible to sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Sun exposure increases the risk
  • Family history is an indicator of likelihood to suffer from sebaceous hyperplasia, as it tends to run in families
  • Certain medications (e.g. immunosuppressant medication cyclosporine) are known to increase the risk of sebaceous hyperplasia

Can Sebaceous Hyperplasia be Treated?

Some websites say that there is no cure for sebaceous hyperplasia. However, there are treatments which can tackle the problem.

Firstly, if you suffer from excessively oily skin, it is worth reviewing the daily skincare regime.  Washing with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or low levels of retinol can help prevent your sebaceous glands from clogging. These are ‘cosmeceutical’ products which often require a prescription due to the active ingredients which cannot be purchased over the counter.

However, for more direct action, Cosmedics’ London Mole Removal Centre offers a range of professional treatments, including:

  • Laser treatment – laser works by destroying the lesions, breaking down the blockage while also stimulating the skin’s own healing and renewal processes, leaving skin clearer and healthier-looking
  • Cryotherapy – liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the lesions so that they drop off
  • Surgical excision – large, stubborn, hardened lesions can be treated with surgery. This is a last resort, but careful excision of the lesion ensures that it won’t recur. There is a risk of scarring, but it fades over time and is usually less noticeable than the original problem

The team at London Mole Removal Centre are highly trained and experienced in recognising and diagnosing skin conditions.

Their expertise and equipment mean that they can properly establish the nature and cause of your skin complaint, then recommend the most appropriate solution.

After Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment

In order to avoid the recurrence of the problem, there are 2 key things to consider:

  1. Keep the skin in good condition, working to reduce the oiliness by using suitable skincare products
  2. Avoid excessive sun exposure, as this can also trigger the problem

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.

Warts on the nose are traditionally (and somewhat unkindly) associated with witches and frogs, so if you have one in real life it is no laughing matter. 

Warts can be a stubborn and difficult problem to deal with. Once they’ve developed they tend to grow rather than quietly disappear; so having one in a prominent and visible place is always unwelcome.

Wart Removal Results

Before and After Photos

This before and after picture shows the results of wart removal treatment at Cosmedics’ London Mole Removal Centre.

nose wart removal

Key Facts About Warts

  • Caused by HPV (the Human Papilloma Virus), warts are an infection in the top layer of skin which causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of skin. This creates a lumpy grown – the wart.
  • The wart virus usually gets in through a tiny scratch or abrasion. It is highly contagious
  • There are over the counter preparations which may be effective in some cases, but if these fail, a stronger approach is required to get rid of the wart – i.e. a professional treatment.

Professional Treatment Options

The team at London Mole Removal Centre are highly trained and experienced in dealing with skin lesions including warts. They offer a range of solutions, depending on the nature of the problem:

  • Simple warts are frozen off in a procedure known as ‘cryotherapy’ which uses intense cold. Treatment may involve 2-3 sessions to ensure complete removal of the wart.
  • Large and very resistant warts can be treated either using laser or skin surgery.

Wart removal is surprisingly simple, painless and quick and effective with our methods and techniques.

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.

‘Healthy You’

The Sunday People yesterday looked at how to spot ‘killer moles’, with expert advice from Dr Ross Perry. 

Summer may be over, but the article is a timely reminder not to neglect important skin and mole checks. Although most are harmless, some may develop into malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. That’s why keeping an eye on moles and freckles is important all year round.

The feature invited Cosmedics’ London Mole Removal Centre founder, Dr Ross Perry, to provide his expert advice. Ross told the Sunday People:

“The rates of skin cancer are ever increasing and have doubled in the last 20 years.

“We need to be vigilant all the time as this is not just a summer illness or condition, it can occur at any time of the year.

“It’s not that they are more prevalent in the summer, we’re just more aware of them when everyone is in shorts, t-shirts or bikinis.”

Mole Checking at Home

Dr Ross Perry recommends checking every couple of months at home. It doesn’t need to take more than a couple of minutes for a full top to toe check for any odd-looking blemishes, new moles or unusual/changing lesions.

He encourages people to trust their instincts about what is abnormal and if in any doubt, see the GP – even if they’ve checked it before.

sunday people moles

Sunday People Article on Mirror.co.uk

Read this article in full at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/skin-cancer-warning-top-doctor-13330946

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company which is best known for mole removal. The team of doctors and surgeons offer mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics in London and Bristol.

London Mole Removal Centre also offers:

  • Laser treatment for minimal scarring results
  • Private treatment in comfortable surroundings
  • No waiting lists for fast treatment
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • 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.

with Dr Ross Perry

Founder London Mole Removal Centre & Cosmedics Skin Clinics

HELLO! Magazine investigated the importance of regularly checking moles in order to identify any worrying changes. 

As the feature says:

“We hear a lot about the importance of regular breast and prostate checks. We visit the doctor for smear tests and are called for bowel tests once we hit 50. But while we spend a lot of our lives looking at our skin – how many of us are actively keeping track of our own moles, and being alert to any changes?”

The need for regular mole checking is shown clearly in the statistics:

  • Around 7 people a day die from skin cancer in the UK
  • 3 people under 25 are diagnosed each day with skin cancer

Yet it is known that for those who are diagnosed with skin cancer, the outcome is related to how early treatment is started – which means spotting skin cancer early before it has the chance to develop and spread.

Mole Checks

The article reiterates that it doesn’t matter how you check for moles as long as you do it.

That means:

  • Thoroughly checking the body, top to toe
  • Recording moles for future reference and comparison (e.g. notes or photos)
  • Ensuring that the process is repeated regularly – at least once a year

What to Look For?

Dr Ross Perry provided his expert advice on mole tracking and checking. He says:

“A dangerous mole is usually pretty obvious. It will be more dark, more irregular, possibly it will be changing over time.

“But most people would be able to spot the one abnormal-looking mole on a body, so it’s just so important you take the time to check.”

If you have any worrying skin lesions or blemishes, it’s best to see a doctor straightaway, as earliest treatment leads to the best outcomes.

Ross told Hello! Magazine:

“If you’re worried about anything then go to your GP and they can refer you on if something looks concerning.”

For more information see:

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering mole checks with their trained and experienced doctors. Clients can choose a standard consultation for specific moles of concern, or else book a full top to toe mole check for peace of mind.

The doctors also offer treatment for unwanted cosmetic 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.

Yours magazine looked at the health benefits of the sun, with expert advice from Dr Ross Perry. 

One of the principle benefits of sitting in the sun is that it simply makes you feel good. Ross says:

“Sunlight increases your serotonin levels which in turn may make you happier. Serotonin is your body’s natural happy hormone, an important chemical and neurotransmitter that is believed to help regulate your mood, behaviour, appetite, digestion, sleep and memory.”

The Sun and Sleep Patterns

It could also help regulate your sleep:

“Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland of your brain. It’s responsible for regulating your sleep cycles. Studies have suggested that without daily exposure to sunlight, we don’t product optimal levels of melatonin, which could make us feel sluggish and tired. During the summer when you’re exposed to the sun and see more daylight, you probably notice that you need less sleep but feel just as lively. That’s all down to the sun revving up your melatonin levels.”

Vitamin D

Around 1 in 5 Brits don’t get enough vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium. Dr Perry says:

“Sun exposure is the best way to maintain your vitamin D levels. When UVB rays hit your skin, they cause a chemical reaction that turns certain cholesterols in your body into a form of Vitamin D that your body can use.

Having low Vitamin D is not an excuse to sit in the sun all day. Dr Perry says:

“You don’t need much sun to get the benefits. Just 20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs 203 times a week could be enough to top up your vitamin D levels.”

In the winter, the sun in the UK isn’t strong enough, so Public Health England recommend a Vitamin D supplement.

Safe Sun Exposure

While there are benefits to sun exposure, there are also risks to be aware of. Dr Perry warns:

“There is no such thing as a healthy sun tan. A tan is a response to DNA damage whether you get it on the beach, on a sunbed or through incidental exposure. Tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and if you have one, you’ve sustained skin cell damage. Such damage is instrumental in the development of skin cancer and it also accelerates skin ageing so you’ll have more lines, wrinkles and age spots.

“Seek a high SPF sunscreen (with a SPF of at least 30) and look for a 5-star UVA rating, which indicates maximum protection against UV rays.”

yours magazine vitamin D

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company which is best known for mole removal. The team of dotors and surgeons offer mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma etc) at 5 mole removal clinics in London and Bristol.

London Mole Removal Centre also offers:

  • Private treatment in comfortable surroundings
  • No waiting lists for fast treatment
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation
  • 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.