Mole Checks in Hove

The simplest guide is the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, an irregular Border, uneven Colour, a Diameter over 6mm, or a mole that is Evolving in size, shape or colour. A mole that becomes itchy, painful or bleeds should also be seen promptly.

Moles come in several types, from common and congenital to atypical (dysplastic) moles, which are larger with irregular shape and colour and need closer monitoring.

The consultant assesses your risk factors and history, then examines the mole closely using dermoscopy. If wider surveillance makes sense, whole-body mapping with the ATBM Fotofinder can be arranged to track everything over time.

A suspicious mole can be biopsied or removed on site under local anaesthetic and sent for histology. Benign moles can be removed with a focus on a good cosmetic result. As a guide, procedure fees including hospital fees start from £350 for shave excision, curettage and cautery, £500 for cyst removal, and £775 for skin cancer excision including histology. Your consultant confirms all fees before anything goes ahead.

Skin cancer expertise runs through the team, and at our Hove clinic you are seen by Dr Paul Farrant or Dr Pallavi Gupta, both of whom work in this area. You are seen by a consultant, not a general list, with no referral needed.

Mole checks in Hove take place at Montefiore Hospital, 2 Montefiore Road (BN3 1RD).

Not all moles carry the same risk. Common moles are small, even and symmetrical, while congenital moles, present from birth, can be larger and warrant closer monitoring. Atypical or dysplastic moles are bigger with irregular shape and colour, and can resemble melanoma, so they need a professional eye.

Part of a consultant check is working out which of your moles are simply harmless and which deserve ongoing attention, so you are neither worrying unnecessarily nor missing something that matters.

Mole checks are booked directly, with no referral, and fees are confirmed beforehand. Removal for a medical reason may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic removal usually is not, so costs are always explained upfront.