Changing mole — which specialty
A spot on the skin that is growing, changing colour, developing a ragged edge, bleeding or itching.
Usually seen by
Dermatology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Oncology — if a biopsy result needs discussing
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- A spot enlarging quickly over weeks
- A spot bleeding or ulcerating and not healing
- A spot with patchy colour and an irregular border
- A new spot appearing after middle age that looks unlike the others on your body
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- How long it has been there and when it began to change
- Whether it itches, hurts or bleeds
- How much sun exposure you have had, and whether you have ever burned badly
- Whether anyone in the family has had skin cancer
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- An older photograph of that exact spot, with a ruler or a coin beside it for scale
- A note of any other spots that are also changing
What a first visit usually involves
- Dermoscopy with a specialised magnifier
- Photographic monitoring
- A biopsy if indicated