Skin lesion assessment

Most skin lesions are harmless, but any lesion that is new, changing, uncomfortable, bleeding or unusual should be professionally assessed. We assess moles and pigmented lesions, skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, cysts and lipomas, warts, sun-damaged areas, non-healing sores, lumps beneath the skin, and lesions that repeatedly bleed or become irritated.

Anaesthetic: Local
Hospital stay: Day case
Time off work: Minimal
Final result: Varies with the lesion

A general guide only — your own timeline is confirmed at consultation.

What it involves

We will discuss when the lesion appeared, whether it has changed, and any relevant medical or family history, then carefully examine the lesion and the surrounding skin. Depending on the findings we may recommend:

Reassurance or monitoring
Incisional biopsy — a representative portion of the lesion is removed
Excision biopsy — the entire visible lesion is surgically removed
Histological examination of the removed tissue
Referral to a certified dermatologist

Who it may suit

Arrange an assessment if a lesion:

Changes in size, shape, colour or texture
Develops an irregular border or several colours
Grows rapidly
Becomes painful, itchy, inflamed or crusted
Bleeds without an obvious cause
Forms a sore that does not heal
Returns after previous treatment
Looks noticeably different from your other moles
Causes discomfort or cosmetic concern

Recovery

Biopsy and surgical removal are usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, and most patients need minimal time away from work. Both will leave a scar. Its final appearance depends on the size and position of the lesion, the procedure performed, your skin type and individual healing. The likely scar, the procedure, the risks and the aftercare are all discussed at consultation. Prompt assessment matters most for lesions that are changing rapidly, bleeding repeatedly, or failing to heal.

This page is a general guide. Every procedure is planned individually — the details, risks and recovery relevant to you are discussed at consultation.

Common questions

What happens to the tissue after it is removed?

It is sent to a pathology laboratory for histological examination. This confirms the diagnosis, establishes whether the lesion is benign or malignant, and determines whether any further treatment is required.

Can a mole simply be removed for cosmetic reasons?

Sometimes, but not before the diagnosis is clear. A suspicious or uncertain lesion should never be cosmetically destroyed before an appropriate diagnosis is obtained — doing so can remove the evidence needed to identify a skin cancer and stage it correctly. Where there is any doubt, obtaining tissue for histology takes priority over cosmetic treatment.

When would I be referred to a dermatologist?

If the diagnosis is uncertain, or the lesion requires dermoscopic assessment, specialist monitoring or treatment outside our scope of practice, we refer to a certified dermatologist. Working within scope is part of getting the diagnosis right.

Will the procedure hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used, so the area is numbed before anything is done. You may feel pressure but should not feel pain during the procedure. Any discomfort afterwards is usually mild and settles quickly.