Mole Checks & Skin Cancer Screening in Singapore

Do you have a scatter of moles on the back that you cannot keep track of? Or is there a particular mole that is itching and changing in appearance? Or do you have a sore spot on the face that never seems to heal? You might benefit from a skin check.

What is skin cancer screening?

Skin cancer screening involves a dermatologist thoroughly examining your skin from top to toe, looking specifically for signs of skin cancer or precancerous conditions. Screening aims to detect skin cancer at an early stage so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. This is especially important for melanoma, where early detection saves lives and reduces morbidity.

How does skin cancer screening work?

Your comfort is our priority. Your skin checks at Lumine Dermatology and Laser Clinic will be conducted in a private and comfortable environment.

As a fellowship-trained dermatological surgeon, Dr Evelyn has extensive experience managing and detecting skin cancers.

Firstly, a thorough and complete history will be taken to understand your risks for developing skin cancer, as well as your lifestyle and sun protection measures. After this, a thorough skin screening will be performed with dermatoscopy and polarised light to identify suspicious lesions.

At Lumine Dermatology and Laser Clinic, we believe in preventing skin cancers as much as treating them. During our consultation, we will educate you on self-skin examinations and provide information about photoprotection measures.

Photographs will also be taken as we partner with you on your journey towards better skin and early detection of suspicious skin lesions. This will enable us to track the progress of your skin lesions over time.

Benefits of skin cancer screening

Skin cancer screening is an important line of defence against skin cancer.

• Early detection and improved prognosis: detecting skin cancer in its infancy isn't just beneficial; it's potentially lifesaving. Early intervention significantly boosts treatment success rates. Consider melanoma: when caught early, the five-year survival rate increases to 98.4%. In stark contrast, late-stage melanoma survival drops to 22.5%. Vigilant screening processes are especially critical for atypical moles, where timely identification can make a big difference.
• Minimising the risk: through comprehensive skin evaluations, we can pinpoint precancerous changes and implement preventative strategies, such as lifestyle adjustments, sun protection education, and targeted treatments like cryotherapy or imiquimod. These measures are crucial in halting the progression of precancerous lesions into full-blown cancer.
• Monitoring skin lesions longitudinally over time: it is important to monitor skin lesions over time. This longitudinal monitoring is a cornerstone of our commitment to skin health.
• Treatment planning: in case cancer is detected at an early stage, dermatologists can determine the most appropriate course of action at the right time, which may include surgical removal, skin biopsies, topical treatments, cryotherapy, or other interventions, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

What conditions can diagnose skin cancer?

The goal of skin cancer screening is to identify abnormalities in the skin that may require further evaluation, prevent skin cancer and, if necessary, prompt treatment. Conditions that may be identified through cancer screening include:

• Skin cancer (malignant):
  • Basal cell carcinoma: the most common type of skin cancer cells, which often appears as a pearly or crusted plaque or nodule. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) commonly develops on sun-exposed skin regions, particularly the head and neck.
  • Squamous cell skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of cancer originating from squamous skin cells in the middle and outer skin layers. It manifests as a red, scaly patch or a firm, raised nodule.
  • Melanoma skin cancer: melanoma is a more aggressive form of cancer that can develop from existing moles or appear de novo on normal skin as new, irregularly shaped lesions with varied colours.
• Precancerous lesions (premalignant):
  • Actinic keratosis: actinic keratosis is a common precancerous lesion primarily caused by sun exposure. It often appears as rough, scaly patches on the skin.
  • Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles): dysplastic nevi are unusual-looking moles that may have irregular borders, varied colours, and larger sizes, which can indicate an increased risk of melanoma skin cancer.

If you have concerns about your skin condition or notice any changes, consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist can conduct a thorough examination, provide expert guidance on skin cancer risk factors, and, if needed, recommend appropriate diagnostic tests or treatments for detection and effective management.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I undergo skin cancer screening?

The frequency of skin cancer screenings depends on your risk profile. An annual examination is generally recommended for low-risk individuals.

For high-risk individuals, 3 to 6 monthly examinations may be indicated. Risk factors include a personal history of cancer or multiple dysplastic nevi. Additionally, individuals with a compromised immune system, those with significant sun exposure or tanning bed use, and people with a large number of moles or extensive freckling should consider more frequent screenings.

In addition to getting regular skin checks by your dermatologist, it is also important to become familiar with your skin and perform regular self-examinations every 1- 2 months. If you notice any new or changing moles or skin lesions, consult your dermatologist as soon as possible, regardless of when your last skin check was.

Are there any specific precautions I should take before screening?

It's advisable to note any changes or concerns with your skin and inform your dermatologist during the session. You should also avoid wearing makeup and nail polish, which may interfere with the examination.

How long does the skin cancer screening or mole checks take?

Cancer screening typically takes 15-30 minutes. This will be a thorough skin check from top to toe. Depending on the number of lesions, additional time may be required to take thorough photos of the skin. The dermatologist visually inspects the skin, and any necessary procedures, like biopsies, are generally brief with minimal discomfort.