I had a mole on my face for as long as I could remember. When I was in my early thirties I noticed over a few weeks that is started to get darker and itch. Initially I thought nothing of it. As it did not settle down I decided to see my doctor. He told me it was probably nothing to worry about but I should get it checked out.
I therefore contacted Spire Sussex Hospital and was seen in the One-stop mole and Skin Lesion Clinic by Mr Paul Kirkland. He asked me several questions about the mole including whether it had changed in appearance recently and whether it had been needling or itching.
He informed me that the majority of moles are benign, but because it had changed in a relatively short time, it would be sensible to biopsy it.
Mr Kirkland told me that this could be done under local anaesthetic and would only take 15 minutes or so. He explained the small risks of bleeding and wound infection.
I was happy to go ahead with the procedure at the same visit. I was surprised how quickly the anaesthetic worked & how painless it was. I was given some antibiotic ointment to apply twice a day for 2 weeks.
I came back to the hospital 1 week later to have the small stitches removed by the Spire Sussex Hospital clinic nurse.
I saw Paul Kirkland 10 days after the biopsy for the results. He explained to me that it was a type of skin cancer called a Melanoma. The result had been discussed by the Skin multidisciplinary team and they were happy that no further treatment was required.
Three months later the scar is barely visible.
I was very fortunate to have been seen in the One-stop mole and Skin Lesion Clinic and had the biopsy performed so quickly.
My advice to anyone with a mole or skin lesion which is changing or is unsightly, is to get it checked out by an expert as quickly as possible.
If you would like to book an appointment at the One-stop mole and Skin Lesion Clinic call us on 01424 757455 or 01424 757406 or complete our online enquiry form.