Mole Checks

What is a mole check?

A mole check is a clinical examination of the moles on your skin. A clinician looks at the size, shape, colour, border and texture of each mole, pays particular attention to any you are worried about, and advises whether anything needs further action. It is a straightforward, non-invasive appointment. Nothing is removed on the day unless you have agreed to it and it is clinically appropriate.

What is mole mapping?

Mole mapping records the moles on your skin so they can be compared over time. Because change is the single most important thing to watch for, a documented baseline makes it far easier to spot a mole that has altered at a future appointment. It is particularly worth considering if you have a lot of moles, a family history of skin cancer, fair skin that burns easily, or significant sun exposure. Please note that this is not a service that we provide, but your clinician can give advice during an appointment on whether or not you should pursue mole mapping elsewhere.

Who should have a mole check?

• Anyone worried about a specific mole that is changing, itching or bleeding
• People with a large number of moles
• Those with a family or personal history of skin cancer
• Fair skin that burns rather than tans
• A history of sunburn, sunbed use or significant sun exposure
• Anyone who would simply like peace of mind

What to look for between appointments

The widely used ABCDE guide is a helpful prompt — but it is a reason to book an appointment, not a way to diagnose yourself.

The ABCDE guide

• Asymmetry — one half does not match the other
• Border — edges are irregular, ragged or blurred
• Colour — more than one colour, or an uneven colour
• Diameter — larger than about 6mm, or growing
• Evolving — any change in size, shape, colour or sensation

What happens at your appointment

During

• A clinician examines your moles, using a dermatoscope where helpful
• You can point out anything that has been worrying you
• A full-body check typically takes 20–30 minutes

After

• You are told clearly what was found and what, if anything, happens next
• Where a mole should be removed, we can arrange this at our Lurgan clinic
• Where specialist onward referral is appropriate, we will arrange it
• Findings can be recorded for comparison at future appointments

Mole check cost

Pricing depends on whether you are having a single mole assessed or a full-body check. We are clear about the cost when you book. Prices are for guidance only and may vary depending on what your consultant recommends.

Where to find us — Lurgan, Limavady & L/Derry

Minor surgical procedures are carried out exclusively at Friends Medical Services, Southside Healthcare, 41 High Street, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 8AH. Our Limavady (Bovally Medical, Edenmore Road, BT49 0TE) and L/Derry (Quayside Medical, 82–84 Strand Road, BT48 7NN) clinics offer No-Scalpel Vasectomy appointments only and do not provide minor surgical procedures. Patients travel to us for minor surgical procedures from across Craigavon, Portadown, Banbridge, Armagh, Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland area. We also welcome cross-border patients from the Republic of Ireland at all three of our clinic locations.

Why choose Friends Medical Services

• Procedures carried out by experienced clinicians, not technicians
• No long waiting lists — appointments usually available quickly
• Clear, up-front pricing agreed before your procedure
• ISO 9001, 14001 and 27001 accredited (Lurgan site)
• Rated 4.96 out of 5 by verified patients on Doctify