Mole Check in London. Skin Cancer Screening That Catches It Early

Last updated May 2026

Medically reviewed by the GMC-registered doctors at The Online GP by The Wellness

A mole you are unsure about is a question worth answering quickly. Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, is highly treatable when caught early and dangerous when left, and the difference often comes down to weeks. With skin cancer rates rising in the UK, a professional mole check is one of the simplest and most worthwhile health steps you can take. This guide explains when to get checked and what a proper check involves.

Worried about a mole. Message The Online GP by The Wellness on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

When should I get a mole checked

You should get a mole checked if it is new, changing, or different from your others. The warning signs follow the ABCDE rule, asymmetry, irregular borders, more than one colour, a diameter larger than 6 millimetres, and evolving over time. Any mole that itches, bleeds or will not heal also warrants prompt assessment.

The reassuring fact is that most moles are harmless, and a check often simply confirms that. The dangerous mistake is waiting. Melanoma found early, at stage one, has a survival rate above 95 percent, but that figure falls sharply once it spreads, which can happen over months. A mole that has changed in any way, in size, shape, colour or sensation, is the signal to act rather than watch. New moles appearing after the age of 40 deserve particular attention. If something on your skin has caught your eye, that instinct is worth following up.

What is the difference between a mole check and mole mapping

A mole check is an expert examination of a specific mole or your skin, using a dermatoscope to look beneath the surface. Mole mapping goes further, taking standardised photographs of your whole skin so changes can be tracked over time, which is particularly valuable if you have many moles or a higher risk of skin cancer.

Both have their place. A single worrying mole needs a focused expert check with dermoscopy, the magnified surface examination that reveals features invisible to the naked eye. People with numerous moles, a family or personal history of skin cancer, fair skin, or a lot of past sun exposure benefit from mole mapping, which builds a digital baseline of typically 16 to 18 images and allows precise comparison at future visits. The right approach depends on your skin and your risk, which is something a clinician decides with you rather than a one-size service.

Not sure which check you need. Ask a clinician. Enquire on WhatsApp here.

How does The Online GP by The Wellness handle a mole check

The Online GP by The Wellness is the go-to first point of contact for a mole check, providing fast doctor assessment and connecting you directly with trusted consultant dermatologists for dermoscopy, mole mapping, and any biopsy or removal that is needed. You get a quick route from worry to answer, with care coordinated throughout.

Skin cancer assessment is a specialist field, and the strength of this model is the joined-up pathway. A GMC-registered doctor assesses your concern quickly and arranges the right next step, whether that is a focused dermoscopic check, full mole mapping, or referral to a consultant dermatologist for a suspicious lesion. If a mole needs a biopsy or removal, it is arranged with the right specialist and sent for analysis, and your results are explained clearly. Throughout, The Online GP by The Wellness stays your single point of contact, so you are not left chasing appointments or interpreting findings alone. Replies on WhatsApp are usually within minutes.

What happens if a mole looks suspicious

If a mole looks suspicious, the consultant will recommend closer examination and, where needed, a biopsy or removal, with the tissue sent for analysis to confirm whether it is cancerous. Most suspicious moles turn out to be harmless, and where treatment is needed, early action makes it far simpler and more successful.

This is the part people fear, but it is also where early checking pays off most. Removing an early melanoma is a straightforward procedure with an excellent outlook, whereas a melanoma left to spread is a far harder problem. A biopsy gives a definitive answer rather than uncertainty. If the result is clear, you have peace of mind and a plan for monitoring. If it is not, you have caught it at the stage when it is most treatable. Either way, knowing beats wondering, and the process is quick and well established.

For a fast answer on a mole that worries you, message us on WhatsApp.

Who should have regular skin cancer screening

You should consider regular skin cancer screening if you have many moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of sunburn or sunbed use, a family or personal history of skin cancer, or a previous abnormal mole. For higher-risk people, annual mole mapping provides the best chance of catching change early.

Risk is not the same for everyone, and matching screening to your risk is the sensible approach. Cancer Research UK identifies sun exposure and sunbed use as the main causes of melanoma, so a history of either raises the case for regular checks. People with a first-degree relative who has had melanoma, or who have had an abnormal mole removed before, benefit from a structured monitoring schedule. For most people, knowing the warning signs and checking your own skin, then seeking a professional check when something changes, is enough. For higher-risk people, an annual mapped baseline is the most reliable method.

Frequently asked questions

What are the warning signs of skin cancer

The ABCDE signs are asymmetry, irregular borders, more than one colour, a diameter over 6 millimetres, and evolving change over time. A mole that itches, bleeds or will not heal, or any new mole after 40, should be checked promptly.

What is mole mapping

Mole mapping takes standardised photographs of your whole skin, usually 16 to 18 images, so a dermatologist can track new or changing moles over time. It is especially useful for people with many moles or a higher risk of skin cancer, and is typically repeated annually.

How quickly can I get a mole checked

Fast. The Online GP by The Wellness provides quick doctor assessment and connects you with a consultant dermatologist for dermoscopy or mole mapping, with biopsy or removal arranged where needed. Message on WhatsApp to start.

Is most skin cancer treatable

Yes, when caught early. Melanoma found at stage one has a survival rate above 95 percent, which falls once it spreads. Early checking and removal make treatment far simpler and more successful.

Do I need a referral

No. You can self-refer to The Online GP by The Wellness, which assesses your concern and connects you with the right consultant dermatologist directly.

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