Private Mole Checks Reviewed by Consultant Dermatologists
Concerned about a new or changing mole? Right Medicine Pharmacy offers private mole checks through Map My Mole, providing convenient access to an expert opinion from a UK consultant dermatologist.
During a short pharmacy appointment, a trained team member captures detailed images of the mole using a dermatoscope attached to a smartphone. The images and relevant health information are then submitted securely for remote review.
You will receive a written report explaining the dermatologist’s indicative opinion and whether monitoring, medical assessment or another next step may be appropriate.
When Should You Have a Mole Checked?
Most moles are harmless, but it is important to notice changes in your skin. Consider seeking professional advice if:
- A mole changes in size, shape or colour
- A mole has an irregular shape or uneven colouring
- It begins itching, bleeding, crusting or becoming painful
- A new or unusual mark appears on your skin
- A sore or skin change does not heal
- A mole looks different from your other moles
- You feel concerned or uncertain about a skin lesion
Do not delay seeking medical advice if a mole is changing quickly or you have another worrying skin change. NHS Inform provides further guidance on possible signs of skin cancer and when to contact your GP.
How Does the Mole Check Service Work?
1. Book or visit a participating pharmacy
Book an appointment online or ask a participating Right Medicine Pharmacy about availability. The team will explain the service and confirm whether it appears suitable for the mole or skin lesion you want reviewed.
2. Attend your pharmacy appointment
The pharmacy appointment usually takes around 10 minutes. A trained team member will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire covering relevant health information and the changes you have noticed.
The team member will then use a medical-grade dermatoscope connected to a smartphone to capture detailed images of the mole. A dermatoscope provides magnification and lighting that can reveal features which may not be visible in an ordinary photograph.
3. Images are submitted securely
Your images and questionnaire information are submitted through the Map My Mole system for remote review. The pharmacy team member does not diagnose the mole or interpret the images.
4. Consultant dermatologist review
A UK consultant dermatologist reviews the submitted information and images. Map My Mole aims to provide a digital report within 24 to 48 hours, although this is a target rather than a guaranteed turnaround time.
More information about the provider and its consultant-reviewed service is available on the Map My Mole website.
5. Receive your report
Your report will provide an indicative opinion based on the images supplied. It may state that the mole appears reassuring, should be monitored or requires further assessment by a GP or another healthcare professional.
If further action is recommended, follow the instructions in the report promptly. Map My Mole may contact you to explain the suggested next step.
Does a Mole Check Provide a Diagnosis?
No. This service does not provide a definitive medical diagnosis and cannot confirm or rule out skin cancer from photographs alone.
The report provides an indicative opinion from a consultant dermatologist to help determine whether onward referral or further assessment may be appropriate. If cancer is suspected, a definitive diagnosis may require an in-person examination, removal of tissue and laboratory testing known as histology.
The service should not replace an existing GP, dermatology or hospital appointment. If you have already been referred for assessment, continue with that referral unless the clinician responsible for your care advises otherwise.
Which Moles May Not Be Suitable?
A photographic mole-check service may not be suitable in every situation. Speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional directly if:
- The mole is bleeding heavily, infected or very painful
- You have a rapidly spreading rash, particularly with fever or other symptoms
- You have already been referred to hospital for the same mole
- The mole is inside the mouth or genital area
- Its location makes it difficult to photograph clearly
- You have more than three new or suspicious moles requiring assessment
- You feel acutely unwell or your symptoms are worsening rapidly
The pharmacy team may advise that the service is unsuitable after discussing the location or appearance of the lesion. Being unable to obtain clear images may also prevent a useful remote review.
If the person requiring the mole check is under 18, contact the pharmacy before booking so the team can confirm the current age, suitability and consent requirements.
Do I Need to Prepare?
No special clinical preparation is normally required. The mole and surrounding skin should be accessible so the pharmacy team can obtain clear images.
If the area is covered by hair, carefully trimming the hair beforehand may improve image quality, although this is not always necessary. Do not irritate, cut or attempt to remove the mole.
Bring any information that may be relevant, including when you first noticed the mole, how it has changed and whether you have previously received medical advice about it.
Mole Check Prices and Booking Terms
Our prices for mole checks are as follows:
- First mole: £55
- Each additional mole: £25
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. This will be deducted from the total cost of the service.
If you need to change your appointment, the pharmacy can reschedule it when at least 24 hours’ notice is provided.
If the service is considered unsuitable following the initial assessment, or suitable images cannot be captured, the £25 deposit will be retained as a consultation fee and will not be refunded.
Why Choose Right Medicine Pharmacy?
The service combines the convenience of a local community pharmacy with remote review by a UK consultant dermatologist. Your appointment is brief, no GP referral is required to use the private service, and you receive a written report outlining the suggested next step.
Benefits include:
- A convenient appointment at a participating local pharmacy
- Detailed images captured by a trained pharmacy team member
- Review by a UK consultant dermatologist
- A written report, usually targeted within 24 to 48 hours
- Clear guidance when further medical assessment is recommended
The service provides an expert opinion and guidance; it does not offer mole removal, biopsy or treatment.
Book a Private Mole Check
Book a private mole-check appointment at a participating Right Medicine Pharmacy. A £25 non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking and will be deducted from the service cost.
If you are unsure whether your mole is suitable for remote review, contact the pharmacy team before booking.
You can also find your nearest Right Medicine Pharmacy or visit our Health Advice page for information about accessing appropriate support.