How do you get moles checked?

[nancpmf]

I’ve got a mole that has appeared on my shoulder I’d like a professional to look at. It’s very similar to one I have on my back that I got looked at by the NHS but took weeks (GP wasn’t sure, got referred, had to drive 2 hours away for a 5 min apt to be told it’s just “getting older”). Just wondering if there is a simpler way of doing it…? I’ve seen Boots do a mole checking service, annoyingly not particularly local to me. I appreciate online isn’t recommended.

Go privately and pay a consultant? But they may want to do a biopsy and you would have to pay for that too. GP should be able to refer you on NHS

I only really want a visual check at this point to be honest and GPs don’t seem very confident to do that and refer. I’m not overly concerned as it’s very similar to the one the NHS dismissed previously, but some reassurance would be nice. Just wondering if there are other services out there like Boots.

Our health insurance have partnered with a company who send a dermatoscope + camera out to your house. All you have to do is take a picture of the mole/lesion, upload it and you get an answer from a dermatologist within a few days as to whether it’s benign or concerning. Will try and find the name of the company - I’m sure it’s a service available to the public too.

Edit: it’s called Skin Analytics!

My children have both had all their moles mapped. They stood in their underwear and had images taken of their whole body, even the soles of the feet. Then the moles were analysed and any that were flagged were assessed by the doctor. There was a slight concern about one on my son’s neck and they have seen him twice since it was mapped but they are happy it’s ok now. I like the fact that there is a record of existing moles so new ones can be detected and any changes in existing ones can be seen.
I should say that they are 21 and 19 so not babies. I will get my husband and I also done but wanted to prioritise them.
I live in Hertfordshire but my understanding is that you can get this done in London too.
It was £375 per scan so not cheap.