There are definite signs that a mole is suspicious and should be seen by a doctor. Pre-cancerous moles are easy to treat. They can usually be removed under local anaesthetic. Even an early melanoma can be cured in this way. But if you leave them, the disease can get out of hand.
Doctors divide the signs listed above into major and minor signs.
You should be referred to a specialist clinic straight away. Even if you only have minor signs, your doctor may think the mole should be seen by a specialist or removed to be on the safe side. Melanomas in men are most common on the back. In women, the commonest site is the legs. More advanced malignant melanoma can be difficult to spot without medical tests.