Mole Check in Singapore

Unsure if your mole could be cancerous? Speak to us today for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Dr Gerard Ee Profile Photo
Dr Gerard Ee

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

What is Mole Check

A mole check is a thorough clinical examination of your skin performed by a medical professional. Its primary purpose is to assess all pigmented lesions on your body—both existing and new—for any characteristics that may indicate early signs of melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.

Regular mole screening is crucial because early detection significantly improves the prognosis for skin cancer. A professional skin cancer screening in Singapore provides peace of mind and, when necessary, allows for immediate action against suspicious moles.

When a Mole Check is Recommended

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:

  • New moles appear after age 40: Any pigmented lesion developing in adulthood requires professional assessment.
  • Noticeable changes in existing moles: Alterations in size, shape, colour, or texture require professional assessment to ensure early detection.
  • High number of moles present: Having more than 50 moles increases your risk, making regular mole screening highly advisable.
  • Previous skin cancer diagnosis: You require ongoing surveillance for recurrence or new lesions.
  • Family history of skin cancer: Having relatives with melanoma or other skin cancers increases your personal risk.
  • Significant lifetime sun exposure: Individuals with prolonged sun exposure, a history of sunburns, or outdoor occupations should regularly book a skin cancer check in Singapore.

How to Self Examine Suspicious Moles

While most moles are harmless, all carry a potential risk of becoming melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Early detection significantly improves treatment success. Dr Gerard Ee emphasises monthly self-exams and regular professional skin checks. 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.

If you observe any of these warning signs, please seek immediate evaluation from a qualified medical professional like Dr Ee for a thorough mole check.

Clinical Examination for Mole Screening

The goal of a clinical mole examination is to detect any abnormal or suspicious moles early, assess your potential risk for skin cancer, and provide a detailed baseline for future monitoring. All evaluations are performed by Dr Gerard Ee using professional techniques, ensuring an accurate and thorough assessment.

Visual Examination

This involves a full-body inspection by Dr Ee to systematically identify all existing or new moles and pigmented spots. An initial assessment of their size, shape, colour, and location will be made, and Dr Ee will explain his findings and identify any atypical features.

Dermatoscope Assessment

A dermatoscope assessment, which uses a specialised handheld device with magnification and lighting, allows for an in-depth evaluation of mole structures not visible to the naked eye. It helps detect subtle irregularities or features that may warrant further investigation.

Photographic Documentation & Measurement

High-resolution photographs are taken to create a reliable baseline record. The dimensions of any concerning moles are meticulously measured to accurately track changes over time. Additionally, AI-assisted analysis may be used to compare current images against past records for subtle changes, thereby enhancing the precision of your skin cancer check.

Mole Mapping (Optional for High-Risk Patients)

For individuals with a high number of moles, a family history of melanoma, or a previous skin cancer diagnosis, mole mapping in Singapore provides a full-body photographic mapping to track all moles over time for the early detection of subtle changes. It includes personalised follow-up sessions for ongoing surveillance.

Next Steps for Suspicious Moles

If a mole appears suspicious during your mole screening, Dr Ee will advise on the next steps:

  • Dermoscopic Analysis: A detailed evaluation using the dermatoscope to scrutinise the mole’s underlying features.
  • Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken and sent to a lab to check for cancerous cells.
  • Mole Removal: If the mole is confirmed to be malignant or highly atypical and poses a high risk, a mole removal in Singapore will be recommended.
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Trusted Care by Dr Gerard Ee

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

Dr Gerard Ee is an experienced aesthetic physician with comprehensive medical qualifications. He obtained his medical degree (MBBS) from St George’s University of London, holds a membership with the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in Edinburgh, and achieved his Diploma in Dermatology (DP Dermatology) from Cardiff University.

Dr Ee has extensive experience in aesthetic procedures, with a focus on evidence-based acne treatment, acne scar removal, and skin rejuvenation. His patient-centred approach involves taking the time to understand your specific concerns to create personalised treatment plans for the best possible outcome.

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.

A mole check is a one-time clinical assessment of your skin. Mole mapping, on the other hand, includes capturing and storing detailed, high-resolution images of your moles for long-term monitoring. This allows Dr Ee to detect subtle changes in moles over time that may indicate early skin cancer.

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.

A standard mole check with Dr Gerard Ee is generally not painful. It involves a visual examination of your skin and the use of a dermatoscope, a non-invasive tool applied gently to the skin’s surface. If a biopsy is required for a suspicious mole, a local anaesthetic will be used to ensure comfort during the procedure.

A typical mole check with Dr Gerard Ee is usually quite quick, often taking 15 to 20 minutes for a thorough full-body skin examination. The duration may vary slightly depending on the number of moles you have and any specific concerns that need closer evaluation.

The initial mole mapping session with Dr Gerard Ee, involving the detailed photography of your entire skin surface, may take around 20 minutes. Follow-up mole mapping appointments, where new images are taken and compared to the baseline, may take approximately 40 minutes to allow for a thorough comparison and analysis.

Ready to schedule your mole check in Singapore? Call or WhatsApp us now to book your consultation!