Moles and mole check

Moles: A natural part of the skin, but be aware of changes

Most of us have moles, and they are usually completely harmless. But sometimes moles can change and require a check-up with a dermatologist.

Learn more about what to look for and how Dr.Dropin can help you keep your skin protected.

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Photodynamic treatment of skin

When should you do a check up?

Do you experience uncertainties when moles form? See below for a checklist of when you should see a dermatologist for a consultation.

  • You get a new mole
  • A mole changes shape and colour
  • Gets bigger than before, in thickness or in width
  • Changes shape and gets uneven edges
  • Changes colour, often with brownish-black areas
  • A mole itch bleeds or forms a wound that will not heal.
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How is a mole check carried out?

Conversation and Assessment:

  • The doctor will ask you some questions about the mole(s):
    • How long have you had it/them?
    • Has it/have they changed?
    • What changes have you noticed?
    • Has anyone in your family had melanoma?
    • Have you been exposed to a lot of sun?

Examination with a Dermatoscope:

  • The doctor uses a dermatoscope (a magnifying glass with light) to see details in the mole.
  • The doctor looks for "warning signs" that could indicate melanoma:
    • Asymmetry (asymmetrical shape)
    • Irregular border
    • Color change
    • Diameter larger than 6 mm
    • Changes in size, shape, or color

After the examination:

  • The doctor will give you an assessment of the mole(s).
  • If necessary, the doctor may recommend further follow-up or removal of the mole.

Remember: Regular mole checks are important for early detection of skin cancer!

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Mole removing

Who removes moles?

  • General practitioners (GPs): Can remove most common moles.
  • Dermatologists: Should assess moles with uncertain diagnoses, large moles, or moles in difficult locations (e.g., face, neck, scalp).

When should a mole be removed?

  • Warning signs: If there is suspicion of melanoma (see the ABCDE rule) or if the mole is bothersome.
  • Not necessary: Normal moles without warning signs do not need to be removed, especially in younger people, as it can cause scarring.

How is removal performed?

Local anesthesia: The area around the mole is numbed.

Removal: The doctor cuts away the mole with a small margin of healthy skin (2-5 mm).

Stitches: The wound is closed with stitches that are removed after 10-14 days.

Analysis: The mole is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Follow-up: If cancer cells are found, the doctor will contact you for further treatment.

After removal:

  • Keep the wound dry: For the first 3-4 days.
  • Avoid excessive movement: In the area around the wound for the first few days.
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The market's most advanced mole check

FotoFinder at Dr.Dropin Skin - Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Dr.Dropin offers FotoFinder, a cutting-edge mole monitoring system, in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.

  • Digital Body Map: We create a digital map of your moles to track changes over time.
  • Video Dermatoscope: Suspicious moles are examined with magnified images for precise assessment.
  • Early Detection: Catch changes early and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Book your mole check with FotoFinder today!

Read more about FotoFinder here
Iselin tester FotoFinder

What is mole cancer?

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How Dr. Dropin can help you

At Dr.Dropin, you have the opportunity to book an appointment for the assessment of moles with both general practitioners and dermatologists. Both can evaluate the mole you are concerned about and determine if there is an indication for its removal. If there is an indication for removal, it can often be done in the same consultation if there is enough time.

The general practitioners at Dr.Dropin have extensive experience in removing moles, and they always send the mole for analysis and provide further follow-up when the results are available (usually within 3-4 weeks). If the mole is large, located in a challenging area to remove, or there is uncertainty about whether it should be removed, the general practitioner can refer you to a dermatologist.

You can also easily book an appointment directly with a dermatologist at Dr.Dropin for assessment, removal, and further treatment.

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Book dermatologist hos Dr.Dropin

Affordable price

Predictable and reasonable price, without hidden costs and unexpected additional charges.

Includes consumables, applications, prescriptions, etc.

No referral needed

You can easily book an appointment yourself via the website or app of Dr. Dropin, and you do not need a referral in advance.


Dermatologist when you need it

At Dr. Dropin, you don't have to wait for several months to get an appointment with a dermatologist. Here, you can quickly get an appointment and it's easy to schedule one.


Frequently asked questions

Should one check moles regularly?

It is important to be aware of moles, especially when there are many or large moles. Frequent checks are recommended, for example annual checks or when changes are detected. This is especially important if you have:

A significant number of moles, especially over 50, measuring more than 2 mm in diameter.

Several large moles, with a diameter of more than 7 mm, which have an uneven shape and varied colors.

A family history of mole cancer, especially if parents or siblings have been affected.

Prolonged sun exposure without adequate UV protection, especially if you have experienced sunburn.

Being aware of these risk factors and seeking medical help when necessary can contribute to early detection and treatment of potential skin problems.

Is it enough to check the moles yourself or should it be done by a dermatologist?

Self-monitoring of moles is a good practice to detect any changes in time. However, if you notice changes, it is important to seek professional help from a dermatologist or general practitioner for a more thorough assessment.

Which changes / signs should I react to and see a doctor for?

See below for a checklist for when you should see a dermatologist or general practitioner for a consultation.

- You get a new mole

- A mole changes shape and colour, by

- Becomes larger than before, in thickness or in width

- Changes shape and gets uneven edges

- Changes colour, often with brown-black parts

- A mole itches, bleeds or forms a wound that will not heal

Are new moles dangerous?

A new mole is not dangerous in itself. Most new moles appear early in life and up to the age of 25, but they can also appear after this. New moles most often appear on skin areas exposed to the sun. If the new mole has signs such as uneven color and shape, an uneven surface, itches, sores or bleeding, you should have it checked by a dermatologist or general practitioner.

Is there anything I can do to prevent more moles?

Unfortunately, we cannot control whether we get more moles or not, as they are primarily genetic and can also be affected by exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. However, it is important to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen with a high SPF, avoiding sunburn, and wearing protective clothing and sunglasses when outdoors in bright sunlight. This can help reduce the risk of developing new moles and other skin problems.

References

Updated: 03.09.2024


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