Moles are small clusters of colored skin cells which can form anywhere on the human body. Most of the time, moles are harmless and do not cause any complications.
If a mole is suspicious it needs to be removed for examination under microscope (histology) to remove the risk of it developing further.
You should seek advice about a mole if you notice any of the following:
- It has changed/is changing colour
- It has changed/is changing shape and size
- It is inflamed
- It is itchy or painful
- It is protruding and causing irritation
During consultation at the Skin Clinic, your dermatologist will consider, and discuss with you, removal for the following reasons:
- The mole is dangerous and needs to be removed for precise identification (histology) and treatment to remove risk
- The mole is considered potentially dangerous and requires monitoring. Patients typically prefer to have it removed rather than to worry about the risk
- The mole is protruding and easily irritated
- The mole is aesthetically unappealing and the patient wants it removed
