Patients
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Skin Assessment &Â Mole Checks
A full top to toe skin cancer assessment looks not just at coloured moles but also other skin lesions that may possibly be a problem.
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The majority of skin cancers arise from skin lesions that are not dark moles and a full skin cancer assessment should be able to highlight these lesions too.
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Our skin cancer assessments are carried out by experience dermatologist who run skin cancer assessment and skin lesions clinics within the NHS.
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Again, it is important to point out that if you are concerned about a skin lesion which is rapidly changing or becoming symptomatic then please see your GP first.
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If generally concerned about your moles or have not had the reassurance you were looking for on a particular lesion then please book an appointment with us.
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It is very often the case that screening for moles and suspicious skin lesions is not offered on the NHS unless there are defined, guidelines medical reasons for having regular skin assessments.
GPÂ Referrals
At The Interface Clinic, no GP referral is required, and patients can self-refer for a skin cancer assessment. If you have however seen your GP regarding any lesions, then it is good practice to ask for your notes for your medical records with us.
Procedure
It is entirely your choice if you want to show us one skin lesion, particular ones or have a full top to toe skin check. A chaperone is present throughout the skin cancer assessments and consultations.
FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions...
What happens if you find a suspicious mole or other skin lesion as a result of the examination?
We mark the lesion and take a photograph of it.
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You have the choice of further management privately or on the NHS.
We give you a clinic summary which you can take to your GP and seek their advice on NHS treatment and referral. Â We can email most GP practices in our locality on your behalf also. Â It is helpful if you also have the email address your GP accepts confidential information on. We do not email information to external, non NHS email addresses.
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In some cases where the degree of suspicion is low, we may advise that the mole be left alone for now and then reassessed in 3 months' time. Â If there are any changes at that stage then it can be removed.
Can I have the lesion removed at the Interface Clinic by yourselves?
We can offer you biopsy of the lesion and histological analysis. Â Quite often the biopsy procedure is full removal of the lesion but sometimes, and in appropriate cases, it means taking a part of the lesion to send for analysis to see if it is cancerous or benign. The choice of procedure would be fully explained to you before carrying it out.
What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping is a taking of photographs of sections of body to show moles on the skin.
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Mole mapping can be a useful aid in monitoring moles, particularly in individuals who have many of them. Â It is only useful if regular monitoring is being carried out, by and experienced dermatologist, hello so that these pictures are being used for comparison at later dates.
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For individuals with fewer moles, it is more useful to photograph the individual lesions.
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We can arrange mole mapping if needed.
Where can I get information on monitoring my skin lesions myself?
Information can be found here.
Alternative Names for Top-To-Toe Skin Cancer Assessment
- Mole Check
- Skin Cancer Examination
- Skin Lesion Assessment
- Skin Examination
- Skin Lesion Screening
Clinic Locations
This service is available from our following clinics: