Mole Check Toowoomba
Mole Checks in Toowoomba
Have you noticed a new mole, a changing spot or a lesion that simply does not look right?
At OJ Clinics in East Toowoomba, Dr Omi Jindal provides focused mole checks and skin lesion assessments using dermoscopy. This specialised examination allows the doctor to assess colours, structures and patterns beneath the skin surface that cannot be seen clearly with the naked eye.
Most moles are harmless. However, any mole that is new, changing, bleeding, repeatedly irritated or different from your other spots should be assessed.
Where a mole requires biopsy or removal, many minor procedures can be performed at OJ Clinics under local anaesthetic.
- Doctor-led mole assessment.
- Dermoscopic examination.
- Skin biopsy available on site.
- Mole removal where clinically appropriate.
- No referral required.
- Medicare rebates may apply.
When Should You Have a Mole Checked?
Moles can vary considerably in size, shape and colour. Some are present from birth, while others develop gradually during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood.
Although most moles remain harmless, melanoma can develop within an existing mole or appear as a completely new spot. For this reason, a mole should be examined when it changes or stands out from the rest.
Book a mole check if you notice a mole or skin lesion that is:
New
A newly developed mole or pigmented lesion in adulthood should be assessed, particularly if it continues to grow or looks different from your other spots.
CHANGING
Look for changes in: Size, Shape, Colour, Thickness, Surface texture and Elevation.
Symptomatic
Arrange an assessment if a mole: Itches, becomes painful or tender, bleeds without an obvious injury, crusts repeatedly, becomes inflamed, fails to heal.
Different From Your Other Moles
A lesion that looks noticeably different from the surrounding moles is sometimes described as an “ugly duckling”.
It may be darker, lighter, larger, more irregular or simply look out of place compared with your other spots.
The ABCDE Guide to Checking Moles
The ABCDE guide can help identify changes that should be assessed.
A — Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other.
B — Border
The edges appear irregular, blurred, notched or poorly defined.
C — Colour
The lesion contains several colours or has developed a new area of pigmentation.
D — Diameter
Larger lesions may require closer assessment, although melanomas can also be smaller than 6 millimetres.
E — Evolving
The mole is changing in size, shape, colour, surface or symptoms.
The ABCDE guide is useful, but it does not identify every melanoma. Some melanomas may be small, evenly coloured, pink, red or almost colourless.
A spot that is changing or looks unusual should be examined even when it does not fit the traditional ABCDE pattern.
What Happens During a Mole Check?
A mole check at OJ Clinics is a focused medical consultation for one or more lesions of concern.
Dr Jindal will ask about:
- How long the mole has been present.
- Any changes you have noticed.
- Symptoms such as bleeding, itching or tenderness.
- Previous skin cancers or biopsies.
- Family history of melanoma.
- Occupational and recreational sun exposure.
- Previous sunburn.
- Current medications and medical conditions.
The mole will then be examined visually and with a dermatoscope.
What Is Dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method of examining moles and other skin lesions.
A dermatoscope is a handheld instrument that combines magnification with specialised lighting. It allows the doctor to examine structures and pigment patterns beneath the surface of the skin.
Dermoscopy can help determine whether a lesion:
- Appears clinically reassuring.
- Should be photographed and monitored.
- Requires a biopsy.
- Should be removed completely.
- Requires specialist assessment.
Dermoscopy does not involve needles, radiation or removal of tissue.
Will the Rest of My Skin Be Examined?
A mole check is usually focused on the particular spot or spots that concern you.
Dr Jindal may also examine the surrounding skin or recommend a comprehensive full body skin check when:
- You have several concerning lesions.
- You have significant sun damage.
- You have many moles.
- You have previously had skin cancer.
- You have a strong family history of melanoma.
- You have not had your skin examined previously.
A focused mole check is appropriate when you have one or two specific lesions of concern. A full body skin check is more suitable when you want a systematic examination from head to toe.
What Happens After the Mole Is Examined?
The next step depends on the mole’s clinical and dermoscopic appearance.
Dr Jindal may recommend:
- Reassurance with no further treatment.
- Self-monitoring at home.
- Clinical or dermoscopic photography.
- Review after a defined period.
- A skin biopsy.
- Complete removal of the mole.
- Referral to a dermatologist or another specialist.
The findings and recommended next steps will be explained clearly during your consultation.
Monitoring a Mole
Some moles do not require immediate biopsy or removal but may benefit from monitoring.
A clinical or dermoscopic photograph may be taken so the lesion can be compared at a future appointment. This can help identify subtle changes that may be difficult to recognise from memory alone.
Monitoring is only recommended when it is considered clinically appropriate. You should return earlier if the lesion changes before the planned review.
Mole Biopsy in Toowoomba
A biopsy may be recommended when a mole cannot be confidently diagnosed through examination alone.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Depending on the lesion, the biopsy may involve removing a small sample or removing the mole completely.
Biopsy options may include:
Punch Biopsy
A circular instrument is used to remove a small sample of skin.
A punch biopsy may be appropriate for selected lesions, although it is not suitable for every suspicious pigmented mole.
Incisional Biopsy
A representative portion of a larger lesion is removed for diagnosis.
Shave Biopsy or Shave Removal
The raised portion of a suitable lesion is removed at or near the level of the surrounding skin.
Shave techniques may be appropriate for selected benign-appearing raised lesions but are not suitable for every mole.
The biopsy method is chosen according to the lesion’s appearance, depth, size, location and suspected diagnosis.
Excision Biopsy
A biopsy may be recommended when a mole cannot be confidently diagnosed through examination alone.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Depending on the lesion, the biopsy may involve removing a small sample or removing the mole completely.
Biopsy options may include:
Mole Removal in Toowoomba
Mole removal may be recommended for medical reasons or considered for selected benign lesions.
Medical reasons may include:
- Concern about melanoma or another skin cancer.
- Uncertain diagnosis.
- Ongoing change in appearance.
- Repeated bleeding or trauma.
- Persistent irritation from clothing, jewellery or shaving.
Benign moles may sometimes be removed for personal or cosmetic reasons. However, removal still begins with a medical assessment to confirm that the lesion is suitable for the proposed procedure.
Dr Jindal will discuss:
Whether removal is necessary.
The most appropriate removal method.
The likely scar.
The expected recovery.
Possible complications
The option of leaving the mole untreated.
All methods of mole removal leave some form of mark or scar. The final appearance depends on the size and depth of the lesion, the removal technique, the location and the way your skin heals.
Pathology Testing After Mole Removal
At OJ Clinics, tissue removed as part of a mole biopsy or excision is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
Histopathology provides a microscopic diagnosis and can determine whether the lesion is benign, atypical or cancerous.
The pathology result may also indicate:
- Whether the mole has been completely removed.
- Whether further surgery is required.
- Whether additional specialist assessment is recommended.
- What follow-up or surveillance may be appropriate.
Appearance alone cannot always provide a definitive diagnosis, which is why pathology testing is an important part of mole removal.
Risks of Mole Biopsy and Removal
Mole biopsy and removal are invasive procedures and carry risks.
These may include:
- Pain or discomfort.
- Bleeding.
- Bruising.
- Infection.
- Delayed wound healing.
- Wound separation.
- Scarring.
- Changes in skin colour.
- Altered sensation.
- Recurrence of the lesion.
- The need for further treatment.
The risks relevant to your proposed procedure will be discussed before treatment. You will also receive information about wound care, activity restrictions and when to return for review or suture removal.
What If the Mole Is Melanoma?
If pathology confirms melanoma, Dr Jindal will explain the diagnosis and discuss the next stage of treatment.
Management depends on factors such as:
- Melanoma thickness.
- Ulceration.
- Pathology margins.
- Location.
- Clinical stage.
- Your general health.
Further treatment may include a wider surgical excision around the original site. Some melanomas may also require specialist assessment, imaging or lymph node evaluation.
Where specialist care is appropriate, referral will be arranged promptly.
Referral does not necessarily mean the end of Dr Jindal’s involvement. Where appropriate, he will continue to review reports, explain the treatment pathway and support your follow-up care.
What If Another Type of Skin Cancer Is Found?
A lesion that appears to be a mole may occasionally be another type of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Many early skin cancers can be treated at OJ Clinics where this is clinically appropriate.
Treatment may include:
Surgical excision.
Curettage and cautery.
Cryotherapy for selected lesions.
Direct wound closure.
Local skin flap reconstruction.
Skin graft reconstruction.
More complex lesions may require referral to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, head and neck surgeon or hospital-based service.
Mole Checks for Children and Teenagers
Children commonly develop new moles as they grow, and most childhood moles are harmless.
A child’s mole should be assessed if it:
- Grows quickly.
- Changes significantly.
- Bleeds or crusts.
- Becomes painful or itchy.
- Looks different from the child’s other moles .
- Forms a persistent pink or red lump.
- Is associated with a large birthmark.
- Causes concern to a parent or guardian.
Concerning lesions in children do not always follow the usual adult ABCDE pattern.
At OJ Clinics, the examination is performed gently and respectfully, with a parent or guardian present. Dermoscopy can be used to examine the lesion without cutting the skin.
Most childhood moles do not require removal. If further investigation is recommended, the reason, options and risks will be explained clearly.
Should I Book a Mole Check or a Full Body Skin Check?
Book a mole check when:
- You have one or two particular spots of concern.
- You have noticed a recent change.
- A lesion is bleeding, itching or failing to heal.
- You want a focused assessment of a specific mole.
Book a full body skin check when:
- You have several lesions of concern.
- You have many moles.
- You have significant sun damage.
- You have previously had skin cancer.
- You have a family history of melanoma.
- You want a systematic head-to-toe examination.
The clinic can help you select the most appropriate appointment when you book.
Why Choose OJ Clinics for a Mole Check?
Doctor-Led Assessment
Your mole is assessed by Dr Omi Jindal, a General Practitioner with postgraduate training in skin cancer medicine.
Dermoscopic Examination
Lesions of concern are examined using dermoscopy where appropriate, rather than relying on visual inspection alone.
On-Site Biopsy and Removal
Many biopsies and excisions can be performed at the clinic under local anaesthetic.
Pathology Testing
Removed tissue is sent for laboratory examination to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Continuity of Care
Assessment, pathology results, treatment planning, wound care and ongoing monitoring can be coordinated through the same clinic.
Referral When Needed
When specialist or hospital-based care is more appropriate, referral is arranged and ongoing support remains available.
No Referral Required
You can contact OJ Clinics directly to arrange an appointment.
Mole Checks for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs
OJ Clinics provides mole checks and skin lesion assessments for patients from:
- East Toowoomba.
- South Toowoomba.
- North Toowoomba.
- Rangeville.
- Kearneys Spring.
- Middle Ridge.
- Highfields.
- Drayton.
- Harristown.
- Glenvale.
- Oakey.
- Pittsworth.
- Toowoomba and surrounding Darling Downs communities.
Patients are welcome to book directly without a referral.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient privacy. We never use or publish your photographs or personal information.
Other Services at OJ Clinics
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can book an appointment directly with OJ Clinics.
A focused mole check is usually shorter than a full body skin check. The appointment time depends on the number and complexity of the lesions being assessed.
No. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive examination and does not involve needles or removal of tissue.
Sometimes. This depends on the lesion, the type of procedure required, available appointment time and the need for informed consent. A separate procedure appointment may be arranged.
Tissue removed during a biopsy or mole excision at OJ Clinics is sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination.
Some benign moles may be removed if they are repeatedly irritated or for personal reasons. The mole must first be medically assessed, and the likely scar and procedural risks should be considered.
Yes. Every method of removing a mole leaves some degree of scarring or skin change. The likely outcome will be discussed before treatment.
Yes. Children and teenagers can be assessed when a mole, birthmark or other skin lesion is changing or causing concern.
Medicare rebates may apply to eligible medical consultations and procedures. Any anticipated fees or out-of-pocket costs should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book a Mole Check in Toowoomba
Do not ignore a mole because it is small, painless or has only recently changed.
Book an assessment if you have noticed a new mole, a changing spot or a lesion that looks different from your others.
