The Mirror: Winter Skin Cancer | London Mole Removal

The Mirror online edition (mirror.co.uk), looks into the often overlooked risks of skin cancer in winter in a feature entitled:

“Christmas shoppers under threat from killer winter sun – warns skin cancer expert as he warns we are ignoring risks”

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ founder and Medical Director, Dr Ross Perry, was invited to give expert advice on the matter.

Mole Checking

Dr Perry told The Mirror that while the risks of sun damage in winter should never be underestimated, the winter is also a really good time for checking over your skin for any suspicious moles or lesions. He explains:

Melanoma on the shoulder

“There is naturally less tan at this time of year, which means that any worrying symptoms are easier to spot against the contrast of lighter skin.

“A mole check should be carried out top to toe and include bits that have never seen the sun – from the scalp and between the hair to behind the ears, in the armpits and groin and even between the toes.”

ABCDE Mole Check

“The ABCDE rule outlines 5 things to look for as suspicious signs:

Asymmetry: a mole that looks a bit lop-sided or uneven with a different shape from left to right.

Border: mole edges that are not smooth – so they appear rough looking or notched – could indicate an early melanoma.

Colour: should be a fairly uniform block – patchy variation of colour is another warning sign. Also look for unusual hues compared to other moles.

Diameter: anything larger than the size of a pencil eraser could be cause for concern, but don’t ignore any that are small but suspicious in other ways

Evolving: moles which seem to be changing in size, shape, colour or height are deemed risky. Also watch out for itchiness, discharge, bleeding or crustiness.

“Patients certainly don’t have to have all symptoms present – any one of these could be enough and if the mole looks suspicious it should be checked out.

“Equally the above is not a comprehensive list – perhaps the most important factor is what we call the ‘ugly duckling’ sign – which means a mole or skin lesion which looks ‘odd’, unnatural and somehow different to their others. At the end of the day, if the mole looks suspicious or you just have a ‘hunch’ that it’s wrong, then get it checked to be on the safe side.”

Patients with any concerns are urged to seek attention. Dr Perry concludes:

“In case of any doubts, do see a doctor for a diagnosis. Hopefully the GP can put your mind at rest, but if there’s any concern, they will arrange a referral if necessary to rule out any cause for concern or else arrange treatment.”

Read the article in full at http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-christmas-shoppers-under-threat-11715311.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

If in doubt about any skin lesions, it is important to get them checked as early as possible.

The 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.

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: