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Spotting the signs of skin cancer
As Seen In Woman’s Own
With Mole Expert, Dr Ross Perry
Woman’s Own magazine published a comprehensive guide to moles with expert advice from GP and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, Dr Ross Perry, who has removed thousands in his career.
The article looks at a number of aspects of moles, pointing out that most adults have a number. Dr Perry explains:
“There’s not really a normal amount, but less than 50 moles would be compatible with most of the population.”
Moles occur when cells grow in a cluster instead of spread throughout the skin.
“These are called melanocytes and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural colour.
“Our genetic make-up has a lot to do with the number of moles we have. Plus, high amounts of sun exposure means we are more likely to develop more.”
Spotting Suspicious Moles
Spotting suspicious moles is vital as:
- Melanoma rates have risen faster over the last 30 years than any other form of cancer
- 86% of case of skin cancer are said to be preventable
Most moles are harmless, but Dr Perry warns that it is important to be vigilant:
“…all moles have the potential to change into a skin cancer.”
The majority of melanoma cases are new moles and result from overexposure to the sun.
ABCDE Mole Checking Rules
The article outlines the ‘ABCCE’ rule of suspicious moles. These indicate that it’s time to see a GP:
- Asymmetry: Different shapes and/or sizes from left to right or top to bottom.
- Borders: Edges look uneven, scalloped or notched rather than smooth
- Colour: Colour variations within a mole, which may include brown, tan, black, red or blue rather than an even colour
- Diameter: If the mole is larger than 6mm, then it is cause for concern.
- Evolving: Any moles which seem to be changing in size, shape, colour or height are deemed risky. Also watch out for itchiness, discharge, bleeding or crustiness.
Types of Cancerous Mole
The Woman’s Own feature outlines the key types of skin cancer, describing how they most typically would look:
- Malignant melanoma: Dark black, often flat, irregular edge. Very dangerous with high risk of spreading. Easily removed when caught early, but can be fatal when diagnosed/treated late
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A reddish lump that can bleed and ulcerate
- Basal cell carcinoma: Flat red patch of skin that bleeds or is painful, or a reddish lump
Mole Removal
Many clients want to get rid of moles for aesthetic reasons. Dr Perry has removed thousands in his career. He says:
“As long as the moles are not overly numerous or irregular in colour or shape then there is no positive or negative to having them.”
Does mole removal reduce the risk of skin cancer?
Dr Perry says not, because:
“70% of all melanomas are new moles. So removing moles to reduce your skin cancer risk is not advisable.”
For further information, you may also be interested in Dr Ross Perry Guide to Mole Removal Techniques
Mole Checks By Experienced Doctors & Surgeons
Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer a top to toe mole check, which assesses every part of the skin to identify any potential issues. This is carried out by trained and experienced doctors or surgeons. Most moles do turn out to be ‘cosmetic’ issues rather than a ‘medical’ concern. However, when a mole is found to be suspicious, early treatment tends to lead to the best results.
Cosmedics Skin Clinic is a leading provider of mole removal procedures in the UK with clinics in London and Bristol, carrying out thousands of procedures to remove unwanted moles for cosmetic reasons. Consultations and mole removal surgery are carried out by experienced doctors who can remove moles same day using local anaesthetic to make the treatment completely pain-free. The team use the latest methods designed for minimal-scarring results after healing. All moles are sent for independent lab testing as a precaution and the results are sent to the client within a few days.
Dr Ross Perry
Dr Ross Perry is Founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
He qualified at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 1994. His career includes NHS skin cancer reconstruction, work as a GP, as well as private cosmetic skin treatments.
He established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 and remains in charge as Medical Director. He is best known for dealing with unwanted skin lesions and blemishes (e.g. moles, cysts, warts skin tags) and natural-looking use of non-surgical cosmetic injections (BOTOX® Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Facial Fillers) as well as sun damage.
He regularly advises the press on health matters and has special expertise on matters relating to the skin.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics
Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors. The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.
Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.
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