The latest edition of Woman & Home magazine is packed with facts on moles and the risk of skin cancer

Can you spot a cancerous mole?

The features includes the story of Denise Palmer-Davies, whose concerns about an odd patch of skin were initially dismissed as being a simple infection.

Denise told Woman & Home:

“About four years ago I noticed I had a small, flag mole on my back, which kept on growing. After about a year, I went to see my GP, but I was told it was nothing.

“I went back again after having my second child as it had grown significantly, but was told it was a skin infection.

“I then asked a friend, a skin specialist, to take a look and he told me to see my GP again.

“On this occasion, I explained it was now irritating me.I also said that my mum had melanoma three times and my grandfather died from skin cancer. This time, pictures were taken of the mole and sent to Dermatology. Less than 24 hours later, I was called as they believed it was a type of skin cancer – it was removed less than a week later.

“I would urge anyone who is worried to monitor their moles by taking regular pictures. Personally, I will never sunbathe again – it just isn’t worth it.”

It took Denise 3 trips to the GP before her concerns resulted in a referral.

Types of Skin Cancer

The feature in Woman & Home explains the 3 very different-looking types of skin cancer

1. Malignant melanoma
   • Typically dark black, often flat, irregular edge
   • Very dangerous with high risk of spreading
   • Can be fatal caught late, but easily treated caught early
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
   • Typically a reddish lump. Can bleed and ulcerate
   • Moderate risk of spreading
3. Basal cell carcinoma
   • Typically either a red flat patch of skin or a reddish lump. Can bleed or be painful
   • Low risk of spreading

Experts say the best outcomes are when diagnosis and treatment are made early, before the cancer has chance to start spreading.

Mole Checking – the ‘Ugly Duckling’

The Woman & Home feature outlines what to look for in a mole check using the ABCDE rule of suspicious signs or unusual behaviours in terms of:

• Asymmetry
• Border
• Colour
• Diameter
• Evolving

However, Dr Ross Perry always advises patients to look for the ‘ugly duckling’ sign – a mole that just looks different to the others. Patients often have a hunch that it’s not quite right. If in doubt, the first step is to visit the GP to rule out skin cancer or arrange a referral.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He provides expert advice on skin cancer, sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He is also highly experienced in non-surgical cosmetic and medical treatments such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, where he has a reputation for excellent results that look entirely natural.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.