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Why Katherine Ryan’s Story Matters

TV presenter and comedian Katherine Ryan recently revealed that she had surgery for early-stage melanoma after a mole on her leg turned out to be cancerous. It’s her second diagnosis — and her story has reignited public awareness about mole checks and skin cancer.
At London Skin Clinic, many patients ask: “When should I worry about a mole?” This blog walks you through when to get a mole checked, what a biopsy involves, and how melanoma is managed — including the role of multidisciplinary care. Patient Stories

When Should You Get a Mole Checked?

Use the ABCDE rule:
• A – Asymmetry: One side doesn’t match the other.
• B – Border: Irregular, notched, or blurred edges.
• C – Colour: Multiple colours or uneven tone.
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser).
• E – Evolution: Any change in shape, size, or colour
When Should You Get a Mole Checked
Other warning signs:
• New mole after age 30
• Bleeding or scabbing
• Itching or tenderness
• “Ugly duckling” mole that looks different from the rest

What Happens if a Mole Looks Suspicious?

If a mole looks suspicious to the naked eye during clinical examination, then a dermatoscope evaluation is undertaken.
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Dermatoscope Imaging (Dermoscopy)
Dermatoscope imaging, also known as dermoscopy or epiluminescence microscopy, is a non-invasive skin examination technique that allows clinicians to view skin lesions in much greater detail than with the naked eye. It plays a critical role in the early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers.
How It Works:
A dermatoscope is a handheld device with:
• A magnifying lens (typically 10x)
• Polarised light or a liquid interface
• A digital camera (in digital dermoscopy)
This setup allows clinicians to visualise pigment structures and blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin.
Why It Matters:
Dermatoscopy can help distinguish benign from malignant lesions by revealing:
• Pigment networks
• Vascular patterns
• Globules, streaks, and blotches
• Colour variations (blue, grey, white, red)
When used correctly, dermoscopy increases diagnostic accuracy by up to 30% — reducing unnecessary removals and helping detect melanoma earlier.
Mole Looks Suspicious
Digital Dermoscopy & Mole Mapping
Many clinics now offer digital dermoscopy, where mole images are stored and compared over time — ideal for:
• Patients with multiple or atypical moles
• Those with fair skin or family history of melanoma
• Full-body mole mapping for future reference
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What to Expect During Dermatoscopy:
• Skin may be cleaned and gel applied if needed
• The dermatoscope is placed on the mole
• The clinician evaluates patterns against melanoma criteria
• Photos may be saved for monitoring
If the mole appears concerning, we often recommend a biopsy — sometimes during the same visit.

Skin Biopsy: What’s Involved

A skin biopsy is a minor procedure under local anaesthetic. The type of biopsy depends on the lesion:
• Shave biopsy – superficial layer only
• Punch biopsy – circular core including deeper tissue
• Excisional biopsy – complete removal of the mole (preferred for suspected melanoma)
The sample is sent to a dermatopathologist, with results usually available in 1–2 weeks.

What If It’s Melanoma? Understanding MDT Care

If melanoma is confirmed, treatment starts with a wide local excision to remove additional tissue around the mole.
You will then be referred into an MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) — a specialist group that meets to plan your care. This includes:
• Dermatologists
• Plastic surgeons
• Oncologists
• Pathologists
• Radiologists
• Skin cancer nurse specialists
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy – to detect spread
• Scans (CT/MRI) – to stage the disease
• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy – for advanced cases
• Regular surveillance – with clinical exams and imaging

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Melanoma has a 99% survival rate if detected early — but under 30% if caught late. Katherine Ryan’s experience reminds us that you should trust your instincts. If a mole looks or feels wrong, seek an expert opinion — even if you’ve been reassured before.

Book Your Mole Check Today

At London Skin Clinic, we offer:
• Same-week mole checks
• Dermoscopy and digital mole mapping
• Biopsies and mole removal under local anaesthetic
• Private MDT pathways if needed
• Expert care from our Harley Street team
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Contact Us

• Call: 0203 916 6200
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