Mole Check

Going for a mole check done by a healthcare professional is a simple but crucial step in safeguarding your skin’s health. It is one of the best ways to detect skin cancer early, and ensures timely diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Gerard Ee
MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)
Aesthetic Surgeon

About Mole Screenings

A mole screening involves the thorough examination of your skin, where your moles will be assessed on their sizes, shapes and colours to identify any signs of abnormalities. This detailed check helps identify suspicious moles or growths that could indicate skin cancer.

What to Expect During the Mole Screening

During your mole screening with Dr Gerard Ee, he will conduct a thorough visual examination of your skin, meticulously analysing any existing or new moles. He uses a dermatoscope, a specialised tool that enhances visibility by using magnification and light, allowing for a detailed examination of your mole structure to identify any irregularities that may require further evaluation or a biopsy.

For individuals with a higher risk of skin cancer, Dr Gerard Ee may also offer mole mapping — a comprehensive approach that involves taking detailed photographs of your moles to create a baseline record. This allows for the precise monitoring of changes in your moles over time, to ensure that any potential concerns are identified promptly.

Who Should Go for Mole Screenings

While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase your risk. Consider scheduling a mole check with Dr Gerard Ee if any of the following apply to you:

  • Sun exposure: You have frequent sun exposure, a history of sunburns, or use tanning beds.
  • Family history: There is a history of skin cancer in your family.
  • Unusual moles: You have multiple moles or moles that are unusual in size, shape or colour.
  • Immune system: You have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication.
  • Changes in moles: You notice any changes in existing moles, including growth, changes in shape or colour, bleeding or itching.

How to Identify Suspicious Moles

Monthly self-examinations are crucial for monitoring your skin for new or changing moles. Early detection of suspicious moles has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes. Use the ABCDE rule when checking your moles: 

  • Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
  • Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
  • Colour: The mole has uneven colour or varying shades of brown, black, tan, red, white or blue.
  • Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimetres in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
  • Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.

Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

Dr Gerard Ee is a medical aesthetic doctor specialising in treating acne and acne scar removal in Singapore. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University of London. He is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology (Cardiff). He has gained experience working in prominent hospitals, including Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. This diverse background has equipped him with a broad understanding of patient care and medical best practices.

Dr. Gerard Ee specialises in aesthetic medicine, offering a safer and more cost-effective approach to achieving your desired results with non-invasive procedures. His areas of expertise include:

  • Acne and Acne Scar Treatment
  • Medical Aesthetics
  • Skin Rejuvenation

Dr. Ee believes in connecting with his patients on a personal level to understand their individual aesthetic goals and concerns. He recognises that beauty standards vary across different cultures and ethnicities, and he takes pride in his ability to tailor treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs and preferences. He strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel heard and understood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mole Checks in Singapore

The frequency of mole checks depends on your individual risk factors. Dr Gerard Ee will recommend a personalised schedule for your screenings, typically ranging from every 6 months to once a year.

Finding an abnormal mole can be concerning, but it’s important to remember that not all moles are malignant. If Dr Gerard Ee identifies a suspicious mole during your screening, he will discuss the next steps, which may include the following:

  • Dermoscopic analysis: A closer examination of the mole using a dermatoscope to assess its features in detail.
  • Biopsy: A small sample of the mole may be taken for laboratory analysis to determine if it is cancerous.
  • Mole removal: If the mole is found to be malignant or poses a cosmetic concern, Dr. Gerard Ee will discuss various mole removal methods in Singapore, or other solutions available to you.

Mole mapping goes beyond a visual check. It uses high-resolution photographs to create a detailed record of your moles, allowing for precise tracking of any changes over time. This helps to better detect subtle signs of skin cancer that might be missed with a visual exam alone.

Even with regular mole checks, it’s essential to take steps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, especially in Singapore’s bright and sunny weather:

  • Seek shade: Especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
  • Wear protective clothing: Cover up with long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that increases your risk of skin cancer.