Consultation and Mapping for Mole-related issues

Further checks should be made if a mole has:

• changed size, shape or colour
• become painful or itchy
• become inflamed, started bleeding or is crusty
• looks unusual and has not gone away after a few weeks.

Be aware of the ABCDE rule - see below.

It's normal for:

• babies to be born with moles
• new moles to appear – especially in children and teenagers
• moles to fade or disappear as you get older
• moles to get slightly darker during pregnancy

Each letter stands for a feature to watch for:

🅰️ A is for Asymmetry

One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half. Benign (non-cancerous) moles are usually symmetrical.

🅱️ B is for Border

Edges are irregular, ragged, blurred, or notched. Healthy moles tend to have smooth, even borders.

🌈 C is for Color

Uneven colors or multiple shades (brown, black, red, white, or blue). Normal moles are usually one uniform color.

📏 D is for Diameter

Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). Some melanomas can be smaller, but size is still an important indicator.

🔄 E is for Evolving

Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation. Also includes new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting.

⚠️ When to Book a Scan

If a mole displays any of these warning signs, it’s important to get it checked by our Mole Mapping service. Early detection of melanoma can significantly improve treatment outcomes.