Moles are small clusters of colored skin cells which can form anywhere on the human body. Most of the time, moles are harmless and do not cause any complications.

If a mole is suspicious it needs to be removed for examination under microscope (histology) to remove the risk of it developing further.

You should seek advice about a mole if you notice any of the following:

• It has changed/is changing colour
• It has changed/is changing shape and size
• It is inflamed
• It is itchy or painful
• It is protruding and causing irritation 

During consultation at the Skin Clinic, your dermatologist will consider, and discuss with you, removal for the following reasons:

• The mole is dangerous and needs to be removed for precise identification (histology) and treatment to remove risk
• The mole is considered potentially dangerous and requires monitoring. Patients typically prefer to have it removed rather than to worry about the risk 
• The mole is protruding and easily irritated 
• The mole is aesthetically unappealing and the patient wants it removed