Doctor Warns If Your Mole Is Throwing a Party It Might Be Time to Get It Checked

A leading NHS GP is urging people to keep a close eye on their skin and get unusual moles checked — especially if they’ve suddenly “grown a personality.”

Dr Anisha Patel, who shares cancer advice on TikTok and has her own experience battling bowel cancer, has spoken out during Skin Cancer Awareness Month to remind everyone of the signs of melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer. And she’s keeping it real, using humor and skits to make a scary subject a bit more approachable, reported Surrey Live.

In one of her recent videos, she plays both a concerned patient and a doctor. The patient jokes that her mole used to be a “little freckle” but now it’s “throwing a party of its own,” describing it as “wonky” and “jagged.” But the doctor character doesn’t laugh it off — instead, she explains how to spot worrying signs using the “ABCDE” rule.

Here’s what to watch for:
A is for Asymmetry – if one half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B is for Border – edges that are uneven, blurry or jagged.
C is for Colour – more than one shade in the same mole, including brown, black, red, white, or even blue.
D is for Diameter – anything bigger than about 6mm (roughly the size of a pencil rubber).
E is for Evolving – any change in shape, size, colour, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

Even if your mole ticks all five boxes, it doesn’t mean it’s definitely cancer — but Dr Anisha says you should still get it checked to be safe. Melanoma is far more treatable when spotted early, and keeping tabs on your moles is a simple but vital step.

She also notes that people often miss changes to moles in tricky-to-see places like their backs, so asking a partner or friend to have a look or taking regular photos for comparison can help spot changes early.

Skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and while the sun and tanning beds are major causes due to UV exposure, it can affect anyone, not just sun lovers or older people.

Less common signs include unusual patches on the soles of the feet, palms, under the nails, or even in the eyes or on the genitals.

The NHS says you should see your GP if you have a mole that’s changed in any way or if you’ve noticed a new mark on your skin that hasn’t gone away after a few weeks. Even a dark patch under a nail that wasn’t caused by an injury should be looked at.

At your GP appointment, they’ll likely ask a few questions about your health and family history, and they’ll take a close look at the mole. In some cases, they might take a photo and send it off to a dermatologist for expert review.

So, if your mole is doing more than just quietly existing, it’s probably time to give your GP a call. Early checks save lives — and sometimes, peace of mind is just as important.

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