What should you know about getting moles checked?

A clinician examines the mole and the surrounding skin, often using magnification. They may ask when it appeared, whether it has changed, and whether it bleeds, crusts, itches, or hurts. A changing mole is not automatically cancer, but change deserves assessment. Some moles are stable and harmless; others need monitoring or sampling to clarify the diagnosis.

Book a skin assessment and note any change in size, shape, colour, border, or surface. Take a clear dated photograph if the change is gradual, without delaying an examination. Check less visible areas, including the scalp, back, and soles, with help if needed. Do not pick, shave, or try to remove a mole yourself.

Arrange prompt review for a mole that is rapidly changing, bleeding without an obvious injury, repeatedly crusting, persistently itchy, painful, or noticeably unlike your other moles. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure. A clinician may recommend monitoring, a biopsy, or removal based on the examination.

Ask what feature needs monitoring, whether a dermatoscope or biopsy is needed, how soon you should return, and whether removal is medically indicated. If removal is advised, discuss [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) and [Mole Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/mole-removal/).