MoleMan is a full service mole and skin cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment facility in Northcote Point. Its skin cancer doctors can map and identify skin cancers on the spot, as well as provide any necessary surgery, treatment and follow-up care. The team at MoleMan aims to provide exceptional patient care, at an affordable price, in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment.

Chief MoleMan, Dr Grant Coe, has had extensive experience in skin cancer screening and surgery, both in New Zealand and Australia, and answers questions as well as sharing advice, tips and information each month in Channel Magazine.

Help, I’ve just noticed a new mole!

Question: I’m a 55-year-old woman and recently I noticed a mole on the back of my thigh that I’m sure wasn’t there a couple of months ago. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Dr Coe: Yes, this is something you need to urgently action. A new, rapidly growing coloured spot, along with changes in a longstanding mole such as altered colour, shape, size, or a mole that is bleeding, can often be an indicator of the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma. Any new, coloured lesions or moles should be investigated by a medical professional, as the chance that this mole could be a skin cancer increases significantly from the age of 50.

Early detection and diagnosis is the key to beating this deadly disease and the sooner that suspicious lesions can be diagnosed, the less invasive the surgery to remove the lesion and the better the outcome for the patient.

Call the MoleMan team today to enquire about full body skin cancer and melanoma checks with digital dermoscopy (mole mapping) technology on 0800 DR MOLE (376653) or 09 480 6416 or visit www.moleman.co.nz for pricing and frequently asked questions. Male and female doctors available. Dr Coe is also an affiliated provider to Southern Cross for skin cancer surgery and selected services.