Number of moles ‘can indicate risk of melanoma’

A new study has indicated that the number of moles on certain parts of the body could be used as a means of gauging a person's risk of skin cancer.

The King's College London research investigated a new method that could be used by GPs to quickly determine the number of moles on the entire body by counting the number found on a smaller proxy body area, such as an arm.

Mole count is one of the most important markers of risk for skin cancer, with the risk thought to increase by two to four percent per additional mole, but counting the total number on the entire body can be time-consuming.

For this study, 3,594 female twins underwent a skin examination and mole count on 17 body sites. It was found that the count of moles on the right arm was most predictive of the total number on the whole body.

Scientists found that the area above the right elbow was particularly predictive of the total body count, while the legs and the back area in males were also good predictors.

Simone Ribero, of the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King's College London, said: "The findings could have a significant impact for primary care, allowing GPs to more accurately estimate the total number of moles in a patient extremely quickly via an easily accessible body part."