There is a large variety of pigmented skin lesions. Moles and freckles are a normal feature of paler skin types with pigmented lesions developing as an ageing change of the skin. Normal moles are typically brown, flat and round and up to 5mm in diameter.

Moles appear and grow slowly throughout our lives and benign moles do not cause symptoms, for example itching or bleeding.

What are Moles?

Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black and can appear anywhere on the skin alone or in groups. Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 25 years of life. It is normal to have between 10-40 moles by adulthood. Moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and/or changing in colour. Some moles may not change at all while others may disappear over time.

​Treatment

The most important reason for having a mole removed is to rule out any cancerous changes, if you have concerns about a mole contact your GP who will refer you to a dermatologist if they have concerns that your mole has abnormal cells.

If you would like your mole removed for cosmetic reasons this can be performed at one of our minor surgery clinics. The usual process involves local anaesthetic to numb the area, shave excision of the mole and closure of the wound. It is our usual practice, that even moles removed for cosmetic reasons are sent to a laboratory to be check by a pathologist. The process is relatively quick and in almost all cases, patients are able to go home after completion.