Moles
Moles are very common and can be found all over the body. They are made up of a collection or clusters of skin cells called melanocytes which produce the colour or pigment in the skin. They are usually small lesions on the skin that are normally brown, but they may be black, blue, pink or skin-coloured. Moles can be flat or become more raised as we age and people with light or fair skin will often have more moles than people with darker skin. The average adult will have around 30 moles by the time they are 30 years of age. Any mole appearing after the age of around 40 should be treated with suspicion and checked regularly. If in any doubt, see your GP as Malignant melanoma are the fastest-growing skin cancer. They are killers and should be taken very seriously.
Moles can change in number and appearance and although less common, some moles may fade away or disappear completely later in life, often you won’t even notice. They also sometimes respond to hormonal changes, for example during pregnancy, when moles can become slightly darker or become more pronounced in appearance.
Treatment & Removal of Moles at Skin-hub
Moles are treated using Advanced Cosmetic Procedures, a form of advanced electrolysis which is a very safe and effective method of mole removal. These simple treatments are purely cosmetic and are only used to treat normal healthy moles i.e. moles which do not need to be removed for medical reasons.
During the treatment process, there are no injections, incisions, stitches, no bleeding and no chemicals or lasers. The treatment itself involves using a needle the size of an eyelash which is blunt at the tip. At that tip of the needle, some heat is used to intricately cauterize the tissue of the mole. As all moles are different, some can be taken off immediately and others will scab up and drop off around 7-10 days later. Moles that are perfectly flush with the surrounding skin and dark in appearance may not be suitable to treat. This is due to the pigment or colour of the cells being deeper, potentially too deep to not leave a scar. But if you are unsure you can make use of the free consultation here at Skin-hub for further advice.
Please note: This treatment is not suitable for those with pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear ear implants, or women who are, or, could be pregnant. Asian and darker skin types are not treated due to the increased risk of scarring.
Prices for Mole Treatment:
The first mole treated at Skin-hub is £150.
Each subsequent mole treated by Skin-hub during the first or further appointment(s) is £75.
For 5+ moles a more cost-effective price can be given during free consultation.
Types of Moles:
There are many different kinds of moles. Some moles may be confused with other skin conditions such as freckles and warty growths on the skin. Moles that you are born with are called congenital moles and those that grow after birth are called acquired moles.
Here are a few different types of mole:
Junctional Melanocytic Naevi are flat and round, usually mid to dark brown.
Compound Melanocytic Naevi, slightly raised, colour varies and they are often hairy.
Dermal Melanocytic Naevi are raised lumps and usually hairy. They may be the same colour as the rest of your skin.
Blue Naevi are as the name suggests, dark blue and are commonly found on the face, hands or feet.
Dysplastic Naevi are usually larger than other moles and vary in shape, size and colour.
Halo Naevi, is common in children and teenagers and they occur when the immune system attacks the mole, causing a ring of pale skin to appear around the mole. Eventually, it may disappear.
Moles and Malignant Melanoma
• Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.
• Around 13,500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year and it’s on the rise.
• More than 2,500 people die every year in the UK from melanoma.
Most moles are completely harmless, but in a few rare cases, they can develop into malignant melanomas. Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and the most serious type of skin cancer. The cause of malignant melanoma is complex, a mixture of genetic factors and the environment. Melanomas may not be necessarily caused by excessive sunbathing, they can occur on parts of the body that have never been exposed to the sun. But bear in mind that the darker coloured anything is, the more it attracts the suns harmful UV rays. So the darker the mole, the more potent and harmful the suns UV rays will be and hence the more risk of it mutating over prolonged and concentrated sun or sunbed exposure.
A malignant melanoma may appear anywhere on the body. It may be a dark, fast-growing spot where there was not one before, or a pre-existing mole that changes size, shape or colour, which may also in later stages of the disease redden, itch or bleed.
You should regularly check all your moles for any changes. A change in a mole can occur in weeks but in some moles it may take much longer. Most moles are harmless and will never cause any problems. Some moles however can become sore or inflamed if you damage them or if you pluck the hair out. As some moles are capable of developing into skin cancer, it’s a good idea to check your moles regularly so that you’re aware if they change shape or colour. See your GP if you notice:
An existing mole that has recently grown
A mole with a ragged/uneven edge
A mole that has varying shades of colour
A mole that bleeds, crusts or oozes
A mole that itches or feels painful
A mole that is not symmetrical in shape
! The next item is direct from the British Association of Dermatologists website ABCD-Easy guide to checking your moles:
There are different types of skin cancer and all look different. The following ABCD-Easy rules show you a few changes that might indicate a ‘melanoma’, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. As skin cancers vary, you should tell your doctor about any changes to your skin, even if they
are not similar to those mentioned here.
Remember – if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.
Asymmetry – the two halves of the area may differ in shape.
Border – the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches
Colour – this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen.
Diameter – most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. Report any change in size, shape or diameter to your doctor
Expert – if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.