Mole Check and Mole Removal

Oaks Hospital's Consultant Dermatologists offer mole checks and a mole removal service. They have direct access to the full range of diagnostic and investigative services provided at the Oaks Hospital in Essex for you to receive rapid access to further treatment as required. 

Mole checks

The medical term for a mole is a melanocytic nevus. Usually a mole is slightly raised and brown in colour, but they can be pink or flesh-coloured. Most people have moles on their body. The number of moles that an individual develops depends on genetics, how fair their skin is, and how much ultraviolet radiation they have been exposed to. The majority of moles are entirely harmless (benign). However, occasionally a mole may become malignant in which case it is called a malignant melanoma. Some malignant melanomas develop without a preceding mole. Fortunately malignant melanomas are relatively rare, and if treated early, the outlook is usually very good.

Mole removal

Sometimes moles may be removed because they are a nuisance, rather than harmful e.g. catching on clothes and bleeding. This is usually a very quick and straight forward procedure carried out with a local anaesthetic. Sometimes people may want to have a mole removed because they consider it unsightly. If a mole is removed for cosmetic reasons it is important to consider the risk of scarring and the acceptability of the end result, before the procedure which is especially important on the face. Speak to your consultant about any concerns you may have.

The ABCDE of changes to look out for in moles

The important features are:

• an Asymmetrical shape of a mole
• an irregular Border or outline
• changes in the pigment or Colour (from light to dark or black and different colours within the same mole)
• a Diameter greater than 6 mm diameter- about the size of the end of a pencil
• an Evolution or change. 

Book your appointment now

Please contact us via our online form or call our Hospital Services Advisors on 01206 987669 and we will be happy to help you with information about all the dermatology services at the Oaks Hospital and booking an appointment.