What to do when you suspect you have a cancerous Mole?
A lot of our patients come to us because a member of their family or a friend has been diagnosed with skin cancer, of if their GP is slightly concerned about a mole they have.
In this section, we compare the commonest route people go down if they suspect they have a cancerous mole against our Skin Safe Clinic’s approach.
The conventional route: a 6 + week wait by consulting your GP and Hospital
You may go to your GP and ask them to have a look at a mole you may be worried about. If your GP is happy there are no problems they will obviously discharge you. However, if they have a suspicion and suspect you have a cancerous mole, they will refer you to the dermatology department at your local hospital. This process can take up to 2 weeks.
It’s important to note that you will only be referred for the suspect mole/s you ask them to look at. They will not give you a full body examination to see if you have any other potentially cancerous moles on your skin.
When you are seen at the hospital, you will be assessed by a nurse and if they are happy that your mole is safe, they will discharge you. Or, if they suspect there may be a problem, they will recommend some treatment and it can be up to 4 weeks before this takes place.
Private providers (such as pharmacies, other skin clinics): a 7 + week wait
There many private providers you can consult. These providers will take a specialised photograph of your mole/s and this photo is sent to a skin expert. The expert assesses the photograph and within 5 days you will get a report. Unfortunately, if a problem is suspected, the provider recommends you book an appointment with your GP. So, you have added another 5 days on top of the process we talked about above.
As with the GP route, these providers will only photograph the suspect mole/s you ask them to look at. They may not ask for the relevant history of how your mole has changed and will not give you a full body examination to see if you have any other potentially cancerous moles on your skin.
Get seen, get checked and get treated within 6-7 days with The Skin Safe Clinic
Our approach works differently to the above options and ensures you have are left in no doubt about whether you have a cancerous mole or not.
You can make an appointment with us within 3 days, by using our online booking form or calling us on 01603 298395.
You will be seen by a trained dermoscopist (not all dermatologists use a dermatoscope). They will take your full history and give you a full body check using an advanced specialist tool called a dermatoscope.
You receive an instant result, which gives you peace of mind if no cancer is detected or you are told immediately if there is a problem.
If treatment is required, that treatment can be arranged within 3 days.
Ongoing care and advice is available with our SkinSafe Life programme.
I visited the clinic for a routine mole check and was very pleases with the treatment I received. Dr Rallan and his nurse were very thorough and explained everything fully. I will definitely visit the clinic on an annual basis to have my moles checked and would recommend this service to other people!
I have a considerable number of moles and blemishes. The consultation reassured me that none give cause for concern. I am now more aware of the likely appearance of suspect moles.
I could not have wished for better attention. How lucky we are to have such a facility to be able to receive quick and efficient treatment.Everything 1st Class, you will see me again in the future no doubt!