| Most people have a number of moles- the average is | | | | Intradermal moles are very unlikely to develop into |
| seven. Skin cancer can arise from these moles or | | | | skin cancers. They are easily removed at the |
| start in normal skin. The number of people who | | | | Gatehouse clinic. It is advisable to have them |
| develop skin cancer each year is increasing- possibly | | | | removed before they become too large as this |
| because of increased sun exposure as we holiday | | | | minimises any scarring. |
| abroad. The most characteristic feature of skin | | | | Basal cell carcinomas |
| cancers is recent change- either in size, shape, | | | | These lesions are also known as BCC’s or rodent |
| sensation or colour. | | | | ulcers. They tend to occur in sun exposed areas |
| If you have any skin lesions which concern you it is | | | | most commonly the face and neck. They usually look |
| best to have them checked out. At the Gatehouse | | | | like small pearls in the skin. |
| Clinic we are offering a free mole consultation with | | | | Although they are technically skin cancers they do |
| our Consultant Plastic Surgeon. Most will turn out to | | | | not spread around the body and do not come back |
| be normal with only a minority of skin lesions requiring | | | | once they have been removed. |
| removal. | | | | Melanoma |
| Below Richards goes through the nature and | | | | These skin cancers arise from the brown pigment |
| treatment of some of the more common skin lesions: | | | | cells in the skin. They can arise from existing moles or |
| Juvenile moles | | | | develop on their own. They can occur at any site |
| These are what we normally think of as moles. They | | | | around the body and are usually dark. As they are |
| tend to occur either at birth or before the age of 30. | | | | growing they are characterised by change. This is |
| These lesions are flat or slightly raised, brown and | | | | why it is important to have any moles checked out if |
| may develop hairs. | | | | you feel they are becoming larger, darker or itchier. |
| These lesions are very unlikely to develop into skin | | | | Melanomas are associated with sun exposure early in |
| cancers and most are left alone. Some people prefer | | | | life and can be life threatening if not treated early. |
| to have them removed particularly if they are large | | | | Early lesions are removed and unlikely to cause any |
| or on the face. | | | | further problems. |
| Removal is straightforward and can be performed at | | | | Most people have moles and the vast majority of |
| the Gatehouse Clinic under local anaesthetic. | | | | these are harmless but can be removed if you wish. |
| Intradermal moles | | | | If you are concerned about any skin lesion it is |
| These moles tend to develop later in life- typically | | | | important to have it checked by a specialist. |
| after the 30th birthday. They look like small skin | | | | Until the end of the year the Gatehouse Clinic is |
| coloured rounded nodules. They usually occur on the | | | | offering free mole assessments by a specialist. To |
| face and slowly increase in size and develop hairs. | | | | book your appointment please ring 01604 616500 to |
| Longstanding lesions develop into the lesions we | | | | arrange your complimentary consultation. |
| associate with witches chins. | | | | |