Debate on histological testing of all excised moles

The NHS explains that moles are “small, coloured spots on the skin” that may be flat, raised, smooth or wrinkled. They are caused by skin cells, called melanocytes, growing in clusters, rather than spread out across the body, creating pigmented marks.

Moles are common, can appear anywhere on a person’s skin and are mostly harmless, though the NHS stresses that if they change size, shape or colour they should be checked by a GP.  In a small percentage of cases, moles may be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. The ABCDE checklist is used by doctors to assess moles for signs of melanoma.

An ‘excised mole’ is one that has been cut out from the skin.

‘Histological testing’ refers to the examination of tissue specimens (in this instance, part of the mole) under a microscope to help diagnose diseases like melanoma.

‘Zoe’s law’ would require all moles or skin tags (soft, skin-coloured growths on the skin) that are removed, either within the NHS or by private cosmetic clinics, to be tested for melanoma. It has been proposed by Eileen Punter, the mother of Zoe Panayi. Zoe died of melanoma in May 2020. She had a mole removed in a private, cosmetic clinic which subsequently grew back and was found to be cancerous.