Moles, otherwise known as melanocytic naevi, are benign lesions consisting of clusters of melanocytes. Though benign, there is a potential for them to change and should therefore be monitored.
IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF MOLES – AND HOW TO TREAT THEM
In the videos above, I explain things in a simple way that applies to most people who have moles. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, you can have your skin carefully examined and get an expert recommendation to help you resolve your condition.
How do moles impact people on a day-by-day basis?
SOME WORRY ABOUT THEIR MOLES. IF YOU HAVE MANY MOLES OR IF THEY ARE CHANGING, YOU SHOULD GET THEM CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL
What benign moles look like
Mole size varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres across. There are different kinds of moles. Junctional melanocytic naevi are flat patches, usually round and mid to dark brown. Intradermal naevi are light brown or skin coloured, raised, soft and dome-shaped spots. Compound naevi are light, mid or dark brown warty spots or plaques. A lot of the time these have hairs growing out of them.
Some moles can become uncomfortable
Raised moles such as intradermal and compound naevi can catch and become sore and inflamed. If your moles are causing such symptoms, I can recommend straightforward treatment.
You should monitor your moles and get them checked if you are worried
Changes, such as moles becoming more raised or hairy and sometimes paler, can be normal and occur with time. You should monitor all your moles and check any new moles that appear in adulthood (especially after your 40s), especially if they carry on changing, as this can be a sign of something more serious.
Moles come in many different shapes and sizes
Atypical naevi are moles that may have an irregular shape and colour. These are usually multiple and sometimes run in families. As dermatologists, we take care to differentiate these moles from an early arising skin cancer known as melanoma.
In some cases, you might benefit from mole mapping
We can remove moles, but removal can result in a scar. Therefore, I advise that you leave them alone if they are benign and are not causing you any symptoms. If you have many moles, then I will give you advice on monitoring these and on any further monitoring, if you need it.
What my patients love about my service
MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS
Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.
Thank you once again.
“Dear Dr Pratsou,
Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.
On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.
All is much appreciated.”
“Thank you very much!!
You three were (and are) a great team!
I will remember you.
You made me feel comfortable.”
“Tania,
Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.
The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”
“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)
I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”
“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”
“Dear Dr Pratsou,
I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.
I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”
“Dear Tania,
Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”
Dear Ms. Pratsou,I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.
You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.
During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.
Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.
We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
How it works
FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS
STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF
Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.
MEET WITH ME
I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.
FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN
I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.
More information about the moles
FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS
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Questions and answers
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About the author
Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist
MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)
I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.
I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.
After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.
Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.