Do I have a malignant melanoma?
This is one of the most common reasons patients attend the practice. We have particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin cancers, including melanoma. We provide a fully comprehensive service, whether you just need reassurance and a mole check, or, for patients who have something more serious.
We recognise that people like the sun, although, like all dermatologists, we do caution against excessive sun exposure. However, you will receive a friendly ear, as we want to learn about your sun exposure history and your family history regarding moles and skin cancers.
We often see Southern Hemisphere patients from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa who are looking for a dermatologist who understands skin cancer in the same way that their local dermatologist would back home. We are happy to provide records to your own doctor, or receive reports from them.
Changing moles
Patients tell us, that they, or a family member, have noticed a mole changing. We are interested in seeing moles that have changed in any of the following ways:
- Change in size - the diameter of the mole has increased (or decreased)
- Change in shape - the geographic contours of the mole have altered - eg growing at one edge
- Change in elevation: Moles that are raised from the skin surface
- Change in colour: new or multiple colours appearing within a mole
Patients may also noticed other features:
- Pain - painful moles may need to be removed
- Itch - often highlighted in various lay material, but less useful
- Bleeding - moles which bleed with only minimal trauma can be concerning
Dermatoscopy
Dermatoscopy, using a special lens to look at moles, can be very useful in the hands of a true expert. We use dermatoscopy regularly in our clinic. Through the dermatoscope, we can see the deeper structures of your mole that cannot readily be seen with the naked eye. We can see how the melanoycytes are organising themselves and also alterations in the blood flow.
However, this is only one part of the assessment, which includes a full skin examination and an understanding of how your skin has been affected by the sun. We do not support attempts at digital diagnsosis of moles with devices, or email to third parties, as, in our experience, this can lead to missing dangerous moles and skin cancer.
Biopsy/mole removal
This is the gold standard means of assessing your mole. Should your dermatologist determine it necessary, your mole will be removed for testing. This involves cutting out the mole and (usually) stitching the skin. The mole is sent to an expert pathologist with special interest in skin cancer and melanoma for analysis. This type of testing is far more accurate and detailed than a clinical examination or dermatoscopy.
What should I do about my mole?
If your mole is behaving in the way described above, pleases contact us to arrange an appoitment to have your mole assessed. We are happy to see you even if you just need simple reassurance from an expert.
If you are very worried and think that you may need urgent surgery, please let us know and we shall liaise directly with you and your referring doctor if required.
Private consultations take place at The London Clinic, King's College Hospital or the BMI Sloane Hospital.