4 Clare Street, Dublin 2 (01) 676 9810 | Limerick Clinic (061) 395 410 info@theadareclinic.ie

MOLE REMOVAL

Moles, also known as melanocytic naevi

Mole are small skin lesions, usually brown. They are a collection of cells called melanocytes, which produce the colour (pigment) in your skin. They usually first appear during childhood and increase during adolescence and may decrease in the elderly. Moles may get slightly darker during pregnancy. Most people have between 5-20 moles on their body.

Moles are usually a brownish colour, although some may be darker or skin –coloured. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough and some have hair growing from them. Moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth edge.

The importance of pigmented moles lies in the identification of those with potential for malignant change. Most moles are harmless, but in a few rare cases they can develop into an aggressive form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma.

You should check your moles every few months for any changes.

Look Out For The Following

  • Bleeding, itching, red, inflamed (swollen) or crusty moles: if your moles are like this and have not been picked or caught on something seek advice without delay.
  • The appearance of a new mole that looks irregular or unusual: it is normal to develop new moles as you get older but you should get them checked out if the colour does not look even or the edge looks irregular.
  • Patches of skin that are flaky, itchy, tender, oozing, bleeding, or red that do not have an obvious cause , such as eczema (a condition that causes dry , flaky skin)
  • Moles that get a lot bigger, most moles are no bigger than the width of a pencil.
  • Moles with uneven colouring: most moles only have one or two colours but melanomas can have lots of different shades
  • Moles with an uneven edge: moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth edge.
  • A sore lump or blemish on your skin that does not have an obvious cause and lasts from more than a few weeks

If your GP/Dermatologist is concerned about the appearance of one of your moles they will either recommend a full excision (cutting out) or biopsy (taking a tissue sample of the mole). This will be sent along to the histopathologist in the hospital for analysis to make sure all is well. Further treatment may or may not be required depending on the result.

Our doctors are experts in the management of Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Acne, Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Lupus, Contact Dermatitis and Hair Loss. They have access to and experience with advanced treatments and technologies that offer the most up to date and best possible care.

Contact Us

THE ADARE CLINIC
Dublin
4 Clare Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 (0)1 676 9810 Dublin
Email: ivan@theadareclinic.ie
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Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Unit 2, Harvey’s Quay, Limerick
Tel: +353 (0)61 395410 Adare
Email: info@theadareclinic.ie