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https://dermnetnz.org/topics/melanomaIf a mole changes in size, shape or colour, becomes painful or itchy, or starts bleeding or crusting, contact your GP promptly. If you’re wondering to get a mole checked, seek advice as soon as you notice an unexpected change or a new mark that doesn’t fade after a few weeks.
A mole may need checking even if you notice just one warning sign. Most moles are harmless, but any unexpected change in its appearance or symptoms is worth discussing with your GP.
When Should You Get a Mole Check?
Most adults have moles, and many stay unchanged throughout their lives. Knowing the signs that a mole needs checking can help you recognise when to seek medical advice.
According to NHS guidance on melanoma symptoms, you should contact your GP if you notice any of the following:
- A change in size, shape, or colour: An existing mole looks noticeably different from how it did previously.
- Itching or pain: A mole becomes persistently itchy, tender, or uncomfortable.
- Bleeding or crusting: A mole starts bleeding, forming a crust, or weeping.
- A new or unusual mark: Contact your GP if you notice a new or unusual mark, particularly if it looks different from your other moles or causes concern. You do not need to wait several weeks if something worries you.
- A dark mark beneath a nail: An unexplained dark mark beneath a fingernail or toenail can be a reason to seek medical advice, particularly when there has been no injury to explain it.
These changes do not automatically mean a mole is cancerous. However, they are reasons to seek medical advice rather than trying to determine whether a mark is benign.
If you would like to have a mole check, Skin Revision offers a professional mole-check service in Beaconsfield. However, if you notice a mole that is changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise concerning, contact your GP for medical advice. A private mole check should not delay an appropriate medical assessment.
What Changes Should You Look for in a Mole?
There is no single appearance that guarantees a mole is harmless. Knowing what changes to look for can help you recognise when a mole may need checking.
Changes in Size, Shape, or Border
Moles can naturally vary in shape and border, so they do not all need to be perfectly round or have smooth edges. What matters is whether an individual mole changes from how it usually looks. If it becomes more uneven, changes shape or grows, contact your GP for advice.
Changes in Colour
Moles can naturally vary in colour, from pink and tan to brown and darker shades. However, a noticeable change in an existing mole’s colour or the development of several colours within it is worth a mole check. Melanomas are not always dark; some can contain areas of pink, red, white or blue.
Itching, Bleeding, or Pain
Persistent itching, pain or bleeding in a mole can be a reason to contact your GP, even if you cannot see an obvious change in its appearance. These symptoms can have several causes but shouldn’t be dismissed simply because the mole looks the same.
New or Unusual Marks
Look for a mole that stands out from your other moles in appearance. Sometimes called the “ugly duckling” sign, this means one mole looks noticeably different from the others. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas that receive little sun, such as the palms, soles of the feet and beneath the nails.
The ABCDE Guide for Moles
The ABCDE rule for melanoma is a simple guide to recognising potential warning signs. It looks at five features of a mole that may warrant attention. While it can help you notice unusual changes, it cannot diagnose melanoma or replace a clinical examination.
| Letter | Feature | What to Look For |
| A | Asymmetry | One half of the mole does not match the other half. |
| B | Border | The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. |
| C | Colour | The mole contains several different colours rather than one uniform shade, such as areas of brown, black, pink or red. |
| D | Diameter | Melanomas are often larger than 6 mm, but they can be smaller. Do not rely on size alone to decide whether a mole needs checking. |
| E | Evolution | The mole is actively changing in size, shape, colour, or sensation over time. |
If you notice a change in any one of these features, it’s worth seeking medical advice. You do not need to wait for several warning signs to appear before contacting your GP.
What Happens When a Mole Is Checked?
The assessment process is straightforward and designed to establish whether further medical investigation is required.
- Medical History & Symptoms: Your clinician will ask when you first noticed the mark, how it has changed, and whether you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. Clear photos of how the mole looked previously can be very helpful here.
- Visual & Dermoscopic Examination: We use a dermatoscope to examine the mole under magnification and capture detailed digital images. These images are securely sent to consultant dermatologists for review, allowing them to examine the lesion more closely and identify any features that may need further investigation.
- Guidance on Next Steps: Following the dermatologist’s review, you’ll receive a personalised written report by email, explaining whether the mole appears benign or requires further medical assessment. The report is usually provided within two working days. If further investigation is recommended, it will outline the appropriate next steps, and our team can guide you on how to follow them.
GP, Dermatologist, or Private Mole Check: What Is the Difference?
Deciding when you should get a mole checked by an NHS doctor versus a private clinic depends on your symptoms and urgency. If you are searching online for a mole check near me, it helps to understand what each pathway offers:
| Option | Role & Scope | Best Used For |
| NHS GP | Primary clinical point of contact; can assess suspicious changes and initiate urgent hospital referrals. | Any changing, bleeding, itchy, or concerning mole. |
| Dermatologist | Medical skin specialist who diagnoses complex skin lesions and performs biopsies. | Formal medical diagnosis and treatment pathways. |
| Private Mole Check | Provides dermoscopic mole examinations and digital imaging, with images sent to consultant dermatologists for review. A written report is then provided, explaining whether the mole appears benign or needs further investigation. | Peace of mind and tracking benign lesions over time. |
Mole Check and Assessment in Beaconsfield
If you are looking for a mole check service in Beaconsfield, understanding what a private service offers helps you make an informed choice.
At Skin Revision in Beaconsfield, we use dermoscopic imaging for a mole check and capture detailed digital images. These images are securely sent to consultant dermatologists for review. Following their assessment, a detailed written report is emailed to both you and the clinic, explaining whether the mole appears benign or requires further investigation.
Before booking any private check, confirm who reviews the images, what the assessment covers, and how medical referrals are handled if an atypical lesion is spotted.
Skin Revision also offers professional mole checks in Beaconsfield using dermoscopic imaging, with images reviewed by consultant dermatologists. However, if you notice a mole that is changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise concerning, contact your GP for medical advice rather than delaying an appropriate assessment to arrange a private appointment.
Can a Suspicious Mole Be Removed for Cosmetic Reasons?
Not before it has been medically assessed.
If a mole looks suspicious or has recently changed, it should be medically assessed before any removal is considered. Cosmetic removal should never be used as a substitute for investigating an undiagnosed or suspicious lesion. Once the dermatologist’s report confirms that a mole is benign, Skin Revision can discuss suitable removal options, including CryoPen or Plaxel Plasma heat cauterisation. The appropriate method depends on the individual lesion and its suitability for treatment.
Practical Habits for Keeping Track of Moles
- Know Your Baseline: Get familiar with the usual pattern and appearance of your moles.
- Check Hard-to-See Areas: Use a full-length mirror or ask a partner to help check your back, scalp, and behind your ears.
- Take Photos: Clear, well-lit photographs can help you compare how a mole looks over time and notice changes in its size, shape or colour. However, photographs are only a way to record changes; they cannot establish whether a mole is harmless. Contact your GP if you notice anything concerning rather than relying on photographs alone.
- Act Early: If something looks unusual or continues to worry you, seek professional advice promptly.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you notice any concerning changes to a mole or skin lesion, seek advice from your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional. Skin Revision also offers professional mole checks using dermoscopic imaging and consultant dermatologist review.
When should I contact a GP about a mole?
Contact your GP if a mole changes in size, shape or colour, becomes painful or itchy, or starts bleeding, crusting or oozing. You should also seek advice if you notice a new or unusual mark that concerns you. You do not need to wait several weeks if something looks unusual or worries you.
Can I get a mole checked privately in Beaconsfield?
Skin Revision also offers a private mole-check service in Beaconsfield, using dermoscopic imaging and consultant dermatologist review. You can find out more about the assessment process and what the service includes on our Mole Check page.
Does an itchy mole always mean skin cancer?
No, itching can be caused by dry skin, friction from clothing, or mild eczema. However, persistent itching in a single mole—especially alongside visual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can a mole be dangerous if it is smaller than 6mm?
Yes, while melanomas are commonly larger than 6mm, early-stage melanomas can be much smaller. You should not rely on size alone to decide whether a mole needs checking.
Can a photograph confirm if a mole is cancerous?
No. A photograph can help document changes in a mole’s appearance, but it cannot confirm whether it is cancerous. A clinician may use dermoscopy to examine the mole more closely and identify features that need further investigation. If melanoma is suspected, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis by examining the tissue in a laboratory.
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