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How can I tell if my moles are normal?
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Nearly all of us have some sort of mole or brown spot on our skin. This usually occurs when the cells that give our skin pigment (melanocytes) cluster together to give a concentrated patch of colour. Quite often moles begin as a small, flat spot and over time, become raised. They may flatten again, become paler, and even disappear altogether eventually.
You can have any number of moles, usually between ten to forty on the average adult, and most never become cancerous. However, if your moles change shape, size, colour or bleed unusually, you should visit your GP to have them checked or contact your Maxillofacial Surgeon if the lesion is on head, face and neck regions.
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What sort of mole is not 'normal'?
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Moles that are considered unusual or 'atypical' occur in around 10% of the population. Only one in ten thousand of these will have a malignant (cancerous) mole. To the untrained eye, an atypical mole can look like a normal mole but, under the microscope, the doctor will be able to tell if it is not normal. Some of these moles may develop into melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Because of this you should have any unusual moles checked out by your GP or contact your Maxillofacial Surgeon if the lesion is on head, face and neck regions.
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What are the risk factors?
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Anyone can develop a malignant melanoma. However, some people are more at risk then others.
Risk factors include -
- being female (double the incidence than in men)
- having fair skin with lots of freckles
- sunbathing, especially in the tropics
- episodes of severe sunburn in the past
- having lots of moles on your skin
- other members of your family with skin cancer
Children rarely develop many moles before puberty so are very unlikely to develop problem moles. If you have a dark skin type, melanomas are rare but do occur (sometimes on the soles of the feet).
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How are moles removed?
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If the biopsy indicates the presence of cancerous cells, removal of the mole will probably be recommended. The removal of the mole usually includes the removal of normal (margin) tissue around the mole. This is to ensure that no cancerous cells remain around the site of the mole. There are different techniques for mole removal according to where they are on your body. Those on the face are treated very carefully to minimise any scarring.
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How much does it cost to have a mole removed?
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It is worth noting that most health insurers do not cover mole removal for cosmetic reasons only. However, if the mole requires removal for any other reasons, it may well be covered. It is best to check with your insurer before proceeding. If you do not have private health insurance or wish a mole to be removed for cosmetic purposes, you can ask about Fixed Price Surgery and self-pay options. The cost will vary according to the size of your mole and where it is located. Your consultant will give you an indication of price once you have been examined.
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What if I have skin cancer?
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Skin cancer is on the increase, but you must have your mole examined and diagnosed before you start to worry about the implications of cancer. It is important to get your moles checked if you are at all concerned. For most skin cancers (for example squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, also known as 'rodent ulcer'), the earlier you catch them, then the easier they are to treat. Malignant melanoma is very different from other skin cancers and, if untreated, can spread to other organs and is very serious indeed. However, if diagnosed and treated early enough, there is a very good chance of recovery.
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, it is important to remember that you are not alone. In addition to your Maxillofacial Surgeons and care team, there are many support groups and centres where you can gain advice and help with understanding and managing your condition.
Here are some useful numbers and contact details:
Cancer Research Campaign
CRC have a useful booklet about moles, as well as general information and advice on cancer.
Telephone: 020 7224 1333
CancerBacup
Freephone 0808 800 1234
Cancerlink
Freephone: 0880 80000
Stay safe in the sun!
- Avoid strong sun, especially between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
- Do not get sunburnt:
- Slip on a shirt.
- Slap on a hat.
- Slop on the suntan cream (factor 15 or above).
- Build up your tan gradually.
- Get any odd or unusual looking moles checked by your doctor as soon as you notice them.
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