Moles

Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. They can appear alone or in groups and occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. They tend to appear in the early stages of life, but also can appear in adulthood due to hormonal changes or over exposure to the sun.

They usually present in a uniform colour such as brown, black, tan, or pink, and appear flat or raised on the skin. They are typically quite small and most do not change in size or colour over time.

Moles are very common and usually harmless, however, they can develop into melanoma skin cancer, so it is important to check them regularly for any changes and make sure to consult with a dermatologist if you have any questions.

There are many different types of moles and it is important to fully understand them. At RENA, we offer a full skin check service conducted in-house by one of our expert consultant dermatologists. This skin check may include examination using a dermatoscope, or for atypical moles or those that have changed, a biopsy may be performed to ensure they are not malignant (cancerous).

This check is important in identifying the type of mole you have and whether it is something to be concerned about. It will also allow for appropriate plans to be put in place around regular mapping or monitoring, or advising on the best way of removing a mole.

Potential mole treatment will depend on the type of mole. Most will not need treating, however, may still be removed for cosmetic purposes. At RENA we offer a mole removal service and can also advise on procedures for the regular monitoring and photographic mapping of moles to give you peace of mind and ensure any changes are detected at an early stage.

For worrying moles the treatment we would generally advice to have the mole surgically excised. This involves removing the mole with a scalpel including some normal healthy skin. The wound is then stitched up and the sample is sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope for a formal diagnosis. We would then contact you with the results and discuss any further treatment that may or may not be needed.

In some instances, if the mole is not particularly concerning we may recommend monitoring it with high definition photos (dermatoscopic). If the mole is not worrying but you would still like it to be removed for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons we can arrange for it to be shave excised with a scalpel.