Skin Cancer Care
Mole & Skin Lesion Assessment
A new mole, changing spot or persistent skin lesion may warrant assessment, especially if its appearance has changed over time.
Dr Ben provides focused mole and skin lesion assessment using clinical examination and dermoscopy where appropriate.
Changes Worth Checking
Arrange an assessment if a lesion:
- Is new
- Has increased in size
- Has changed shape
- Has changed colour
- Has developed an irregular border
- Looks different from your other moles
- Becomes persistently scaly or crusted
- Does not heal as expected
The ABCDE Guide
Features that may prompt further assessment include:
- A — Asymmetry
- B — Border irregularity
- C — Colour variation
- D — Diameter or increasing size
- E — Evolution or change over time
Not every melanoma follows the ABCDE pattern, so any new or changing lesion should be assessed according to its clinical features.
What Happens During a Mole Assessment?
The lesion is examined and your relevant risk factors are reviewed.
Dermoscopy may be used to assess structures beneath the surface of the skin.
If further investigation is required, options such as monitoring, biopsy, excision or referral may be discussed. If you have many moles, a full skin check may be more suitable.
Next step
Arrange a consultation
Assessment in person is the only way to work out what is causing a skin concern and what can reasonably be done about it. Fees are explained before anything is arranged.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information only and is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation, or a substitute for individual medical advice. Conditions that look similar can have different causes, and what is suitable for one person may not be suitable for another. If you are unwell, in significant pain, or worried about a rapidly changing symptom, seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 000.
- Written for patients by
- Dr Benyamin Mansoori, cosmetic physician & skin cancer doctor
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Benyamin Mansoori (MD, FRACGP, FACCSM), AHPRA MED0002097300
- Last medically reviewed