When Should You Get a Mole Checked?
Most people have moles, freckles, or small skin spots, and many of them are harmless. But sometimes, a mole can change in a way that deserves medical attention.
You do not need to wait until a mole looks “serious” before asking a GP to check it. In Australia, where sun exposure is part of everyday life for many people, it is better to be cautious with new or changing skin spots.
A mole should be checked if it has changed in size, shape, or colour. You should also get it looked at if it starts bleeding, becomes itchy, forms a crust, looks uneven, or stands out from the other spots on your skin.
Some warning signs include:
A mole that is growing quickly
A spot with uneven borders
A mole with more than one colour
A spot that becomes painful, itchy, or tender
Bleeding, crusting, or oozing
A new mole that appears in adulthood
A spot that looks different from your other moles
Doctors sometimes call this the “ugly duckling” sign. It means one mole looks different from the rest of your skin spots. That does not always mean cancer, but it is a good reason to have it checked.
During a skin check, a GP may ask about your skin history, family history of skin cancer, sun exposure, and any changes you have noticed. They may use a dermatoscope, which is a small handheld tool with light and magnification, to examine the mole more closely.
If the spot looks normal, the doctor may simply reassure you or suggest monitoring it. If it looks unusual, they may recommend taking a photo, reviewing it later, doing a biopsy, or removing it for testing.
The important thing is not to ignore changes. Skin cancer is often easier to treat when found early, which is why regular checks and early advice matter. If you want to understand what a GP-led skin check may involve, Smith Street Medical has information on skin cancer checks and management.
Along with skin checks, simple habits can help protect your skin: use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat, cover up outdoors, seek shade, and avoid long periods in strong UV when possible.
For people around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Charlestown, Kotara, and nearby areas, a trusted local GP can help assess changing moles and advise whether monitoring, biopsy, or removal may be needed. Smith Street Medical has a GP clinic in Charlestown and a GP clinic in Kotara for patients looking for local general practice and skin check support.
Wherever you are in Australia, if a mole is changing, bleeding, itching, growing, or simply worrying you, it is worth getting checked by a trusted GP or skin cancer clinic.
