Professional Mole & Lesion Assessment

Not every mole or skin lesion is the same. While many spots may be harmless, a new, changing or unusual lesion can sometimes require further assessment. Knowing what to look for and having concerning changes checked by an experienced doctor can provide greater clarity and peace of mind.

At Penrith Skin Cancer Clinic, our doctors assess moles and other skin lesions through careful clinical examination, supported by dermoscopy where appropriate. A detailed assessment can help determine whether a lesion appears benign, requires monitoring or needs further investigation.

What Can We Assess?

Our doctors can assess a wide range of moles, spots and skin lesions, including:

  • New or recently noticed moles
  • Moles that have changed in size, shape or colour
  • Dark, irregular or unusually pigmented lesions
  • Lesions that itch, bleed or become crusted
  • Persistent scaly or rough patches
  • Sores that do not heal
  • New or changing skin growths
  • Raised, unusual or concerning lesions
  • Other skin changes you would like assessed

If you have noticed something different about your skin, it is important not to ignore it. A professional assessment can help determine the appropriate next step based on the lesion and your individual circumstances.

What Happens During a Mole & Lesion Assessment?

Your appointment begins with a discussion about the lesion and any changes you have noticed. The area will then be examined clinically. Where appropriate, your doctor may use a dermatoscope to examine the lesion more closely.

Depending on the clinical findings, your doctor may recommend:

  • Short-term monitoring of the lesion
  • Ongoing skin surveillance
  • Total body photography, where appropriate
  • A skin biopsy for further assessment
  • Complete surgical excision
  • Another treatment or management approach suited to the findings

Your doctor can explain the findings and discuss why a particular approach may be recommended.

A Changing Mole Should Be Assessed

Changes to a mole or lesion can be a reason to arrange a professional assessment. While changes do not always indicate skin cancer, they should not simply be ignored.

It may be worth having a mole or lesion checked if you notice:

  • An increase in size
  • A change in shape or border
  • New or uneven colouring
  • Persistent itching or irritation
  • Bleeding or crusting without an obvious cause
  • A sore that does not heal
  • A lesion that looks noticeably different from others on your skin

Regularly becoming familiar with your skin can make it easier to notice new or changing spots. If something appears different or concerns you, an assessment can help clarify whether further investigation is needed.

Do Not Ignore Changes in Your Skin

Your skin can change over time, and many changes may be harmless. However, a new mole, a changing spot, or a persistent lesion deserves professional attention if it concerns you.

Early assessment can help identify whether a lesion requires monitoring, further investigation or treatment. Rather than waiting for a concerning spot to change further, arranging an appointment can provide clarity and help determine the most appropriate next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your doctor will discuss the lesion and any changes you have noticed before examining the area. A dermatoscope may be used where appropriate to provide a closer view of the lesion. Based on the findings, your doctor may recommend monitoring, further investigation or another suitable management approach.
Doctors can assess new or changing moles, pigmented lesions, scaly or crusted spots, non-healing sores, unusual growths and other skin lesions that concern you.
A mole that changes in size, shape or colour, or develops symptoms such as bleeding, crusting or persistent itching, should be professionally assessed. Not every changing lesion is serious, but an examination can help determine whether further investigation is required.
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive examination technique that provides magnified visual information about structures within a skin lesion. It may be used alongside clinical examination to assist your doctor in assessing a mole or other lesion.
No. The appropriate management depends on the clinical findings. Some lesions may be monitored, while others may require a biopsy, excision or another treatment approach. Your doctor will discuss the options relevant to your situation.
Yes. If you have a particular mole, spot or lesion that concerns you, you can book an appointment for an assessment. Your doctor can examine the area and advise on whether further monitoring or investigation is appropriate.
If you notice a new lesion or a change that concerns you, arrange an appointment with a qualified doctor for assessment. Avoid waiting for the lesion to become more noticeable before seeking professional advice.