moles

Post your questions related to skin cancer and moles here.

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Jody
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by Jody on Wed Feb 17, 2021 6:21 pm

moles

If I'm prone to getting moles, how often should I get them checked out? Also, sometimes I get hard skin on a mole which flakes - is this normal?

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Dr Adil Sheraz
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by Dr Adil Sheraz on Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:22 pm

Re: moles

It can be difficult to keep a track of you moles if you have multiple. If you have a history of skin cancer or there is a strong family history, and if you have fair skin with multiple moles then every 4 months would be reasonable. You can monitor your own moles with pictures and there are various apps that can be used. These apps are not currently advanced enough to detect abnormality but should be able to assist you in determining if the moles have changed.

Any mole that is changing in size, colour or shape should be assessed by a doctor. Any mole that stands out from the rest should also be checked.

Hard skin on moles can be normal particularly if they have been traumatised. Some people also confuse seborrhoeic keratoses which are rough brown lesions with moles. Seborrhoeic keratoses can look unsightly but are harmless.

I hope this helps.

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Dr Adil Sheraz
Consultant Dermatologist - MBBS, BMEDSCI(HONS), MRCP (UK), MRCP (DERMATOLOGY) (UK)

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talkhealth
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by talkhealth on Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:29 pm

Re: moles

What is the best way to monitor my moles on a regular basis?
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talkhealth
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by talkhealth on Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:30 pm

Re: moles

How often should I be checking my moles and do I need a doctor or dermatologist to do this?
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Nikkig77
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Joined: Wed Aug 12, 2015 12:17 pm
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by Nikkig77 on Thu Feb 18, 2021 1:36 pm

Re: moles

Facial mole which has gone from nothing at tge age of 7 when it appeared now am 43 and its grew literally like its own mole hole digging 9n my left cheek went feom brown which i thought it atill was till my daughter said its pink but now right beside it is a actual shadow of my mole which all u can think of is its pressing down as i sleep but it looks awful as its an empty pink dotted circle next to my mole remimds ne if ringworm but am just so conscious of it now

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Dr Kapil Bhargava
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by Dr Kapil Bhargava on Thu Feb 18, 2021 7:41 pm

Re: moles

Thanks for the questions.

Everyone should consider monitor their skin every six months.

The key things to look for are:

1. Any new skin spot or growth that stands out
2. Any new moles or growths that are changing over a short period of time
3. Any other moles or growths that are changing in size shape or colour.

Any of these changes should be reviewed by a doctor.

How frequently to check your skin depends on your risk and whether you have had problems with skin cancer in the past. Specific recommendations are given to you if this is the case.

It is important to check all of your skin including areas like your scalp, behind your ears, and the soles of your feet. You will need to ask someone to look in these areas.

Photos can be helpful. If you have lots of moles, mole mapping is also useful.
Dr Kapil Bhargava MBBS, FRCP(UK), FRCP(Derm), CCT Derm
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatologic and Mohs Surgeon
London, UK

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