Why are mole checks important?
Having moles on your skin is normal, but you should check them regularly. People usually see a dermatologist if there is a change in an existing mole or if they develop a new one. However, regular skin surveillance can help to identify problems early. The most serious skin cancer I treat is melanoma, early detection can significantly affect the outcome.
Risk factors associated with melanoma are:
- Light skin, hair, and eyes
- Skin that burns easily
- Sunbed use
- Having lots of moles Large moles (>6mm)
- Personal or family history of melanoma
How do you conduct a mole check?
I usually check all of your skin (including nails, palms and soles) and examine your moles with a specialist device (a dermatoscope) to get a magnified view. The typical things I assess as part of the mole check are:
I will take pictures of moles if necessary as part of mole monitoring.
When should I have a mole check?
If you notice any changes in an existing mole or develop a new mole I suggest having this examined by a dermatologist. If you have lots of moles or a combination of the risk factors above then I advise a yearly full skin examination.