Why Worry About New Moles?

mole check

If you’ve heard or read about the need to be vigilant for new moles, you may be wondering why. 

The fact is that the majority of moles appear during childhood – before the age of 20. So any that appear after that date are already more unusual.

And, according to experts, skin cancer is statistically more likely to come from new rather than established moles.

A 2017 review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 71% of melanomas had developed from a new mole.

How Do Moles Develop?

Moles occur when pigmented skin cells called ‘melanocytes’ grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin.

They can develop in adulthood as well as childhood – and many do. However sun exposure is generally a factor in new moles that appear later in life. Being out in the sun can increase the number of moles on the body or face – and this can relate to sun exposure during childhood as well as adulthood.  Moles and melanoma can take many years to appear.

Of course, new moles may be completely harmless (benign), but the link to skin cancer makes it important to be vigilant.

It is particularly important to be aware of any skin blemish that looks a bit like a ‘funny’, ‘odd’ or ‘ugly’ mole. These are signs of abnormality. It’s worth getting it checked out as early as possible if there’s any concern about the appearance of a mole. If it is cancerous, the earlier the treatment the better the chances of a good outcome.

If you’re an adult with a new mole, especially one that looks different to the others, it’s sensible to have it checked by your doctor or a dermatologist.

DIY Moles Check

Regular skin checks are highly recommended to identify any suspicions, changes or unusual lesions. You can do this at home.  Look out for:

  • 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)

If you have any concerns, than see a GP as soon as possible to get it checked out. There will be a rapid referral if the GP agrees and if not your mind will be put at rest.

The good news is that most moles are 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.