Woman & Home: Cancerous Moles

Woman & Home asked Dr Ross Perry for expert advice and input for their feature on skin cancer and moles:

An expert guide to cancerous moles and the skin cancer signs that should raise your suspicions

According to the Derma Plus Skin Cancer Index 2018, skin cancer is more common every year in the UK, with 14,445 new melanoma cases a year and rising.

Dr Ross Perry Advises on Moles

The feature comments:

“…some people think they add character, many of us don’t notice them, while others can’t stand them. But, however you feel about moles, you’ve probably got at least one.”

How many moles are ‘normal’?

Dr Ross Perry says:

“There’s not really a normal amount, but less than 50 moles would be compatible with most of the population.”

How Do Moles Develop?

Moles are due to pigmented cells growing in a cluster, giving the mole its dark colouration. Dr Perry explains:

“These are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural colour.”

Why do I have a lot of moles?

A tendency to having a lot of moles is genetic and linked to skin type as well as sun exposure. Dr Perry explains:

“Our genetic makeup has a lot to do with the number of moles we have; plus, high amounts of sun exposure means we are more likely to develop more.”

dr-ross-perryDr Ross Perry

Dr Perry 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.

His career includes working in the NHS both in skin cancer reconstruction and as a GP, so he is experienced and expert in diagnosing skin lesions and providing the best possible advice/treatment.

If in doubt… get a mole checked

If you have any concerns about a weird mole or worrying patch of skin, the advice is to get it checked out ASAP. It may well be harmless, but just in case, earlier diagnosis leads to the best outcomes in terms of treatment.

Anyone worried about a mole can see the GP who will either put your mind at rest or refer you to a dermatologist for further review to to exclude melanoma.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and 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.