What is the Mole Scanning Service?
The Mole Scanning Service includes an assessment of moles and pigmented lesions you’re worried about, and can also help to identify any that might be suspicious.
The service doesn’t provide a diagnosis of skin cancer, but our Dermatology Specialists analyse the moles/lesions and can help identify any suspicious moles that might need further investigation.
Come in and talk to our specially trained pharmacy team if you’re worried about moles on your body. The service is operated by our trained members of selected Dears Pharmacy teams.
Who is the mole scanning service suitable for?
The Mole Scanning Service at Dears Pharmacy is suitable for adults and children (aged two and above). If you are aged under 16, you’ll need to come to the in-pharmacy appointment with a person with parental responsibility as they will need to give their consent for you to access the service.
Please note, unfortunately we cannot scan any moles or pigmented lesions:
• Located in an intimate area of the body (e.g. genitals, areas of the breasts covered by a bra)
• On the eyelid or the tip of an ear
• Covered by an excessive amount of hair
• That are wet, open or bleeding
• That are on a tattoo
If any of these exclusions apply to you and you are still concerned about your mole, please see your GP for help.
How does the mole scanning service work?
There are two stages to the Mole Scanning Service.
STAGE 1
- You will be asked to identify the mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) that you would like scanned – please note, our Dears Pharmacy team cannot advise you on this.
- Then a scan of the mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) will be taken using our dermatoscopic imaging device.
- The images and information will then be sent securely to our Dermatology Specialist for analysis.
The consultation will last approximately twenty minutes.
STAGE 2
If it shows that your mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) is/are at risk, our Dermatology Nurse will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Our bodies and moles are always changing and we can’t guarantee that a mole that has been considered normal will always remain so. It’s important to be aware of any changes to the mole/pigmented lesion and to use the ABCDE rule to self-check.
What is the ABCDE rule?
Asymmetry: Melanoma lesions are usually asymmetrical and irregular in shape, whereas benign moles tend to be symmetrical.
Border: The border of early melanomas can be uneven and may present as a series of semi-circular curves or v-shaped points. Benign moles have smooth, even borders.
Colour: A melanoma may present as a variety of colours and can in some instances become red, white or blue. Benign moles tend to be one colour, normally a single shade of brown.
Diameter: Melanomas tend to have a larger diameter than benign moles, typically greater than 6mm in diameter.
Evolving: Moles or lesions that begin to change in any way (e.g. size, shape, colour, elevation, bleeding, itching, crusting etc) must be reviewed.
Benefits of the service?
You’ll receive your results within one week.
Price
The first mole/pigmented lesion will cost £35.
Each additional mole/pigmented lesion scanned within the one consultation will cost £15.
If you wish to have more than four moles scanned we advise you to speak to your GP.
What can I do to reduce my risk?
Here are some useful tips to help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:
• Avoid staying out in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm.
• Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor appropriate for your skin type and climate (at least SPF30) and follow the pack instructions about reapplying it frequently. Available to buy in-store.
• Choose a product that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays, as both can increase the risk of skin cancers and skin ageing.
• Don’t use sunbeds.
• Check your skin every few months for changes in moles or signs of new moles/pigmented lesions appearing.
Availability
Select your preferred pharmacy to visit their page and enquire about this service or just pop in when it suits you.
