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Warning-sign checks

Moles: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for a mole to become painful.

    Early melanoma often causes no discomfort.

    Get urgent medical help if bleeding will not stop after firm, continuous pressure, or if you feel faint or seriously unwell.

    After mole removal, urgent assessment may also be needed for rapidly spreading redness, worsening swelling, pus, fever, or uncontrolled bleeding.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a prompt, non-emergency appointment if you notice:

    • A new or changing mole that does not settle
    • Asymmetry, an irregular border, or new uneven colour
    • Rapid growth or a mole that looks unlike your others
    • Persistent itching, pain, crusting, oozing, or bleeding
    • A dark line under a nail that is new or changing
    • A sore or unusual mark that does not heal

    Routine follow-up is suitable for a previously assessed mole that remains stable, or for scheduled skin monitoring based on your risk.

    Seek an earlier review if it changes between appointments.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

The article also says

A mole itself is not usually an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Moles. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.