Medically reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last reviewed November 2026.
A mole needs checking if it is new in adulthood, changes in size, shape or colour, has uneven edges or more than two colours, or becomes itchy, bleeds or crusts. Most moles are harmless, but melanoma is now diagnosed in more than 20,000 people a year in the UK and is most treatable when caught early. The Online GP by The Wellness offers GP appointments from £150 and mole removal from £495.
Key points
More than 20,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, a record high, according to Cancer Research UK.
Nearly 9 in 10 melanoma cases in the UK are linked to too much UV exposure from the sun and sunbeds.
A mole that changes size, shape or colour, or becomes itchy, painful, inflamed or bleeds, should be seen by a doctor.
Harmless moles are generally not removed on the NHS, so cosmetic removal is usually private.
The Online GP by The Wellness offers a Classic GP Appointment from £150, mole removal from £495 and skin biopsy from £395.
Which mole changes should I worry about?
The mole changes to worry about are a mole that grows, changes shape or colour, develops uneven edges or more than two colours, or becomes itchy, painful, inflamed, crusty or bleeds. A new mole in adulthood, or one that looks different from your other moles, also deserves a check.
The NHS guide to moles advises seeing a GP about any mole that has changed size, shape or colour, or that is painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty.
How common is melanoma?
Melanoma cases in the UK are rising. Cancer Research UK reported in May 2026 that more than 20,000 people were diagnosed in 2022, and projects 26,500 cases a year by 2040.
Nearly 9 in 10 cases are linked to excess UV exposure, so sun protection and avoiding sunbeds remain the best prevention. People with many moles, fair skin, a history of sunburn or a family history of melanoma are at higher risk.
Ask a doctor on WhatsApp about a mole that has changed.
What happens at a mole check?
At a mole check, the doctor takes a history of the mole and your risk factors, examines it closely under good light and magnification, and compares it with your other moles. Photographs help track any change over time.
If a mole looks suspicious, the doctor arranges urgent specialist referral or removal with the tissue sent to the laboratory. Reassurance is the most common outcome.
The ugly duckling, the mole that looks different from all the others, is often the one to look at. Most checks end in reassurance, and the ones that do not are found at the stage when treatment works best.
Can I have a harmless mole removed?
Yes. Harmless moles are generally not removed on the NHS, but they can be removed privately if they catch on clothing, bother you or you dislike how they look. The doctor checks the mole first and sends removed tissue to the laboratory where appropriate.
Our guide to how to check your breasts covers another self-check worth building into your routine.
Book a mole check on WhatsApp.
What happens when I book a mole check?
A mole check at The Online GP by The Wellness starts with your history and risk factors, continues with a close examination, and ends with reassurance, monitoring or a clear plan for removal or referral.
Message the team on WhatsApp with a photo of the mole and how it has changed.
The team books an appointment with a GMC-registered doctor.
The doctor examines the mole and your skin, and compares it with your other moles.
Where needed, the doctor arranges removal, biopsy or urgent specialist referral.
You receive a clear explanation and a plan, including what to watch for in future.
Looked at closely. Answered clearly.
How much does a private mole check and removal cost in London?
A Classic GP Appointment at The Online GP by The Wellness costs £150. Mole removal starts from £495, and skin biopsy starts from £395. Skin tag removal starts from £395.
Most people with a single mole that has changed start with a GP appointment. Mole removal suits people with a mole the doctor has checked that they want removed. Book a mole check on WhatsApp.
Can a doctor tell me whether my mole needs checking?
Yes. Send a clear photo of the mole, how long you have had it and how it has changed on WhatsApp. A doctor tells you whether it should be examined, and how soon.
Start your free suitability review on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Can a doctor diagnose a mole from a photo?
A photo helps decide how soon a mole should be seen, but a proper check needs an examination in person.
Does mole removal leave a scar?
Most mole removals leave a small scar that fades over time. The doctor explains the likely result before removal.
How often should I check my moles?
Checking your skin once a month helps you notice change. People with many moles or a family history of melanoma may benefit from regular doctor checks.
Is an itchy mole a sign of cancer?
Itching alone is common and usually harmless, but an itchy mole that is also changing, bleeding or crusting should be checked by a doctor.
Sources
Cancer Research UK, Skin cancer cases hit record high in the UK, May 2026
NHS, Moles
NICE guideline NG14, Melanoma: assessment and management
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