Woman & Home: Will Mole Removal Reduce Cancer Risk?

The latest issue of Woman & Home magazine features advice from Dr Ross Perry on skin cancer and moles in:

Can you spot a cancerous mole?

Dr Ross Perry Advises on Moles

The feature explains:

“…with the weather warming up, being aware of your moles – and if they are changing – is key for surviving skin cancer, as 86% of cases are said to be preventable.”

Woman & Home Spot a Cancerous MoleSkin cancer is the fastest growing of the current top 10 skin cancers affecting more and more patients and their families. Yet it is still said to be preventable in 86% of cases, which is why sun protection and early identification of any potential issues are so important.

Any mole can become cancerous

Dr Ross Perry told Woman & Home:

““…in theory, all moles have the potential to change into a skin cancer.”

That’s why it is so important to check moles regularly, including childhood moles as well as new ones:

  • Most cases of skin cancer were triggered by sun exposure – either over a long time or else short overexposure
  • Most adult melanoma cases are new moles

Is mole removal safe?

Most moles are not of any medical concern and classed as ‘cosmetic’ in nature. Mole removal is a popular procedure designed to get rid of moles in order to improve the appearance of the skin. It is a safe and effective procedure for moles which are not deemed ‘suspicious’.

Dr Perry explains:

“As long as the moles are not overly numerous or irregular in colour or shape then there is no positive or negative to having them.”

However, removing moles that are only cosmetic in nature does not give any advantage in terms of overall protection against skin cancer.

Dr Perry explains:

“This is because 70% of all melanomas are new moles.”

Read in full at https://www.womanandhome.com/health-and-wellbeing/health/cancerous-moles-signs-skin-cancer-321219/

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.

Mole Checking ABCDE

The Woman & Home feature summarises the potential characteristics of an ‘abnormal’ mole. It could be one or more of the following:

  • Asymmetry: distorted or uneven shape
  • Border: irregular or jagged edge.
  • Colour: patchy or unusual colouration
  • Diameter: unusually large – over 6mm across
  • Evolving: changes in size, shape or colour – or behaviour e.g. discharge, itchy, bleeding

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.

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.