MolesWhat it is, and what we can do about it.

Our position, stated plainly

Bradford Skin Clinic & Medical Spa does not remove pigmented lesions cosmetically without prior medical assessment.

That is a deliberate policy, not a limitation of our equipment. A mole is a collection of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, and while the overwhelming majority of moles are entirely benign and will remain so, a small proportion of pigmented lesions are or become melanoma. Melanoma is highly treatable when found early and dangerous when found late.

Cosmetic removal methods destroy tissue. If a lesion is destroyed rather than excised intact, there is no specimen for a pathologist to examine. The visible problem disappears, the patient reasonably concludes it has been dealt with, and a diagnosis that depended on that tissue is lost. That is an unacceptable trade for a cosmetic result, and it is why our answer is assessment and referral rather than removal.

What we do instead

We look properly. If a mole concerns you, or if there is a pigmented lesion in an area you have asked us to treat, we will examine it as part of your consultation and tell you honestly what we see.

We do not diagnose. We are a medical aesthetics clinic. We do not diagnose skin cancer, and we will not offer reassurance we are not qualified to give. Telling you a lesion looks fine when we cannot know that would be worse than useless.

We refer. If anything about a lesion is not clearly benign, we will recommend assessment by a physician or dermatologist and help you understand what to ask for. In Ontario, your family physician is the usual route, and a walk-in clinic can assess and refer if you do not have one.

We treat around it. Cosmetic treatments in an area containing a pigmented lesion are generally worked around rather than over it. Where we are not comfortable proceeding, we will say so and explain why.

When to get a mole checked

The single most important feature is change. A mole that has looked the same for many years is far less concerning than one that is doing something new.

The ABCDE checklist is a practical way to think about it:

• Asymmetry. One half of the lesion does not mirror the other.
• Border. The edge is irregular, notched, blurred or poorly defined.
• Colour. There is more than one shade within the lesion, or an unusual colour.
• Diameter. Larger lesions warrant closer attention, though small melanomas exist.
• Evolving. Any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or the onset of itching, crusting or bleeding.

A lesion that looks obviously different from your other moles is also worth having seen, regardless of whether it ticks any of the boxes above. Do not wait for a change to become dramatic before acting on it.

Sun exposure and risk

Cumulative and intermittent intense ultraviolet exposure are established risk factors for skin cancers, including melanoma. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection, avoiding tanning beds, and being sensible during peak summer hours in Ontario are all worthwhile regardless of what cosmetic treatments you do or do not have. If you have a lot of moles, a family history of melanoma, or fair skin that burns easily, periodic skin checks with your physician are a sensible habit.

If you came here looking for mole removal

We understand that is not the answer you were searching for, and we would rather be useful than convenient. Take the lesion to a physician. If it is benign and you still want it gone, it can be removed properly by someone who can also have it examined. That is a better outcome for you than a quick cosmetic fix from us, and it is the only version we are prepared to offer.

You are still very welcome here for the many things we can help with, and if you would like us to look at a lesion and tell you what we think, book an assessment and we will be straight with you.