--- title: "Mole changes: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers" description: "A changing mole can be a sign of melanoma — use the ABCDE guide and see a GP urgently for any mole that changes shape, colour or size, or bleeds." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/mole-changes/ robots: noindex --- # Mole changes: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers Symptoms A changing mole can be a sign of melanoma — use the ABCDE guide and see a GP urgently for any mole that changes shape, colour or size, or bleeds. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What could mole changes mean? Most moles are harmless, but a changing mole can be a sign of melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer. See a GP urgently for a mole that changes shape, colour, size or bleeds, or looks different from your other moles. The ABCDE guide helps identify concerning features. Melanoma is highly treatable when caught early. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Mole changes, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 11 sections ## Common causes of mole changes - Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers but more likely to spread if missed. - The UK has about 16,000 melanoma cases a year, and incidence is rising. - Sun exposure and a history of sunburn increase melanoma risk, especially in fair skin. - The ABCDE guide helps identify moles that need assessment. - A GP should examine any mole you are worried about — do not wait. ## Why a changing mole matters Most **moles (naevi)** are harmless collections of pigment cells, and many people have dozens of them. However, **melanoma** — the most dangerous form of skin cancer — often starts as a new mole or a change in an existing one. **Melanoma is highly curable when caught early**, which is why knowing the warning signs and seeing a GP promptly matters. The UK diagnoses about **16,000 melanomas a year**, and rates are rising — partly due to sun exposure and better detection. ## The ABCDE guide for checking moles Use the **ABCDE** guide to identify moles that need assessment: **A — Asymmetry.** One half of the mole looks different from the other. Benign moles are usually symmetrical. **B — Border.** The edges are irregular, blurred or jagged rather than smooth and clearly outlined. **C — Colour.** The colour is uneven, with multiple shades — brown, black, tan, red, white or blue within one mole. Benign moles are usually one uniform colour. **D — Diameter.** The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) — though melanomas can be **smaller** than this, so do not ignore small suspicious moles. **E — Evolving.** The mole is changing in size, shape, colour or elevation, or has developed new symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting. ## Other warning signs of melanoma See a GP if: - a new mole appears after the age of 30 - a mole looks different from your others (the “ugly duckling” sign) - a mole bleeds without injury - one mole itches persistently - a dark streak appears under a fingernail or toenail (acral melanoma) - a sore does not heal within 4 weeks - a new skin lesion grows quickly ## Who is at higher risk of melanoma Your risk of melanoma is higher if: - you have fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly - you have a history of sunburn , especially blistering sunburn in childhood - you have many moles — more than 100 - you have atypical moles , meaning large or irregular moles - you have a family history of melanoma - you have used sunbeds , which significantly increase melanoma risk - you have a weakened immune system , for example as an organ transplant recipient or through immunosuppression Melanoma can occur on **any skin type**, including dark skin — though it is less common. In darker skin tones it may appear on the palms, the soles, and under the nails. ## How to check your skin for mole changes - Examine your skin monthly , including your back (use a mirror or ask a partner), scalp, between your toes, the soles of your feet, and the genital area. - Photograph existing moles so you can track any change over time. - Report any new or changing lesion promptly — do not watch and wait for months. ## What a GP will do about a changing mole A GP examines the mole, often with a **dermatoscope** (a magnified light). They may: - reassure you if the mole is clearly benign - refer you to dermatology on an urgent suspected cancer pathway if they are concerned - photograph and monitor the mole if they are uncertain but suspicion is low Suspicious moles are removed by **excision biopsy** — cut out with a margin of normal skin — and examined under a microscope. ## How melanoma is treated Treatment depends on the **thickness (Breslow depth)** of the melanoma and whether it has spread. For **thin melanoma**, excision alone is usually curative. **Thicker melanoma** may need wider excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. **Early melanoma** (stage 1) has over **95% five-year survival**. Delayed diagnosis worsens the prognosis. ## Other types of skin cancer Not all skin cancer is melanoma. **Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)** is the most common type; it appears as a pearly nodule that may ulcerate, grows slowly and rarely spreads. **Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)** appears as a scaly or crusted growth and can spread if left untreated. Both need treatment but are less aggressive than melanoma. Any persistent, non-healing skin lesion needs GP assessment. ## Sun protection to reduce skin cancer risk - Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen generously and reapply every 2 hours. - Seek shade between 11am and 3pm in summer. - Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves. - Never use sunbeds. - Protect children from the sun, because sunburn in childhood increases melanoma risk. Sun protection reduces the risk of all types of skin cancer. ## Why mole-checking apps are not enough Mole-checking phone apps can help with awareness, but they **do not replace GP assessment** of concerning lesions. If you are worried, see a GP — dermatology referral is appropriate. ## When to see a GP about a mole Embarrassment or minimisation (“it’s probably nothing”) delays melanoma diagnosis. GPs would much rather reassure you about a benign mole than miss an early melanoma. The **two-week wait referral** exists for suspicious skin lesions — use it. ## ! When to get medical help for mole changes See a GP within 2 weeks for a mole that is changing, looks different from your other moles ("ugly duckling"), bleeds, itches persistently, or has irregular edges or multiple colours. Use the ABCDE guide below. A GP may refer you to dermatology on an urgent pathway. Melanoma caught early is very treatable — delay reduces cure rates. ## Common questions about mole changes What is the ABCDE guide for moles? The ABCDE guide lists five warning features — Asymmetry (the two halves look different), Border (irregular or blurred edges), Colour (uneven with multiple shades), Diameter (larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller) and Evolving (changing in size, shape or colour). Any one of these features warrants assessment. What does melanoma look like? Melanoma usually appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, often brown or black but sometimes pink, red or skin-coloured. It may be flat or raised with an irregular shape and uneven colour, and it may bleed, itch or crust. It can appear anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun. Are all changing moles cancer? No, not all changing moles are cancer, as moles can change benignly with age. However, any change should be assessed because melanoma can mimic benign moles. A GP or dermatologist uses a dermatoscope to examine moles closely. How can I reduce my skin cancer risk? You can reduce your risk by avoiding sunburn — use SPF 30+ sunscreen, seek shade between 11am and 3pm, cover up and never use sunbeds. Check your skin regularly, including your back, scalp and the soles of your feet, and report new or changing lesions promptly. What happens if a mole is suspicious? A GP or dermatologist examines the mole with a dermatoscope, and suspicious moles are removed surgically (an excision biopsy) and examined under a microscope. If melanoma is confirmed, further treatment depends on its thickness and stage — early melanoma is usually cured by excision alone. ## Sources - [NHS — Melanoma skin cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma/) - [NHS — Moles](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/moles/)