Mole Check, Skin Check and Early Detection by a Dermatologist
Do not miss a skin cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore, ranking among the top cancers in both men and women, and early detection is critical.
Many skin cancers begin as subtle changes and are often mistaken for harmless moles, age spots, or benign skin growths. When detected early, most skin cancers can be treated effectively and often cured.
If you notice a new, changing, or unusual mole or skin lesion, it is important to have it assessed early by a trained dermatologist.
What does skin cancer look like?
Skin cancer can be subtle and does not always appear obvious. Common warning signs include:
- a new mole or skin growth
- a mole that is changing in size, shape, or colour
- a lesion that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal
- a spot that looks different from your other moles
Any new, changing, or unusual mole or skin growth should be checked as early as possible.
Types of skin cancer
The most common types of skin cancer include:
- Basal cell carcinoma — The most common type. It grows slowly but can cause local damage if untreated.
- Squamous cell carcinoma — Can grow more quickly and has a higher risk of spreading.
- Melanoma — The most serious form of skin cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body but is highly treatable if detected early.
| Type of skin cancer | Key characteristics |
|---|---|
| Basal cell carcinoma | The most common type. It grows slowly but can cause local damage if untreated. |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | Can grow more quickly and has a higher risk of spreading. |
| Melanoma | The most serious form of skin cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body but is highly treatable if detected early. |
Risk factors for skin cancer
You may be at increased risk if you have:
- frequent or excessive sun exposure
- history of sunburn
- personal or family history of skin cancer
- multiple or atypical moles
- fair or easily sunburnt skin
- a weakened immune system
- exposure to environmental toxins such as arsenic
Skin cancer screening and mole checks
A skin cancer screening, also known as a mole check or skin check, is the most effective way to detect early skin cancer.
During your consultation:
- you will be asked to undress to your underwear for a full-body examination
- the dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe
- a dermatoscope is used to assess suspicious moles and skin lesions in detail
This thorough assessment allows early detection of suspicious moles, skin cancers, and precancerous lesions.
For patients with multiple moles or higher risk, mole mapping may be recommended to improve accuracy and allow precise monitoring over time.
You can read more about this in our Mole Check & Mole Mapping page.
Diagnosis of suspicious moles or skin growths
If a lesion appears suspicious, a skin biopsy may be performed.
- A small sample or the entire lesion is removed
- The tissue is analysed by a specialist skin pathologist
-
The report confirms:
- whether cancer is present
- the type of skin cancer
- important features such as depth and aggressiveness
Further tests such as lymph node assessment or imaging may be required in selected cases.
Treatment of skin cancer
Precancerous lesions
Early lesions such as solar keratoses can be treated with:
- topical creams
- cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
Skin cancers
Most skin cancers are treated with surgical removal, ensuring complete excision. Depending on the diagnosis, other treatment options may include:
- non-surgical treatments
- topical therapies
- systemic treatments in advanced cases
Treatment is individualised based on the type and stage of skin cancer.
| Diagnosis | Treatment options |
|---|---|
| Precancerous lesions (e.g. solar keratoses) | Topical creams; cryotherapy (freezing treatment) |
| Skin cancers | Surgical removal ensuring complete excision; non-surgical treatments, topical therapies, or systemic treatments in advanced cases |
Why experience matters in detecting skin cancer
Diagnosing skin cancer requires clinical expertise.
Dr Ho has extensive experience in skin cancer detection, having practised dermatology in London performing skin cancer screening, mole checks, and surgery in Caucasian patients, and later as a Consultant Dermatological Surgeon at the National Skin Centre in Singapore treating skin cancers in Asian patients.
This experience is important because skin cancers can appear differently across skin types. The same cancer may look subtle or mimic benign lesions, particularly in Asian skin, and can be easily missed without specialised training.
In clinical practice, skin cancers are often mistaken for:
- normal moles
- age spots
- harmless skin growths
Accurate diagnosis depends on recognising early and atypical presentations.
When should you come for a skin check?
You should consider a skin cancer screening or mole check if you:
Have a new or changing mole
Notice a suspicious skin growth
Have multiple or atypical moles
Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
Want reassurance about your skin
Regular skin checks every 6–12 months are recommended for individuals at higher risk.
Early detection is key
Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early.
A full-body skin check by a trained dermatologist, combined with dermoscopy and, where appropriate, mole mapping, provides the best chance of detecting skin cancer early and achieving successful treatment outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a skin check?
Regular skin checks every 6–12 months are recommended for individuals at higher risk. You should also come in sooner if you have a new or changing mole, notice a suspicious skin growth, or want reassurance about your skin.
What happens during a skin cancer screening?
You will be asked to undress to your underwear for a full-body examination, and the dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe. A dermatoscope is used to assess suspicious moles and skin lesions in detail.
What happens if a lesion looks suspicious?
A skin biopsy may be performed, where a small sample or the entire lesion is removed and analysed by a specialist skin pathologist. The report confirms whether cancer is present, the type of skin cancer, and features such as depth and aggressiveness.
How is skin cancer treated?
Most skin cancers are treated with surgical removal, ensuring complete excision. Depending on the diagnosis, other options may include non-surgical treatments, topical therapies, or systemic treatments in advanced cases. Precancerous lesions such as solar keratoses can be treated with topical creams or cryotherapy.
Is mole mapping needed?
For patients with multiple moles or higher risk, mole mapping may be recommended to improve accuracy and allow precise monitoring over time. It is used alongside a full-body skin check and dermoscopy.
Book a skin cancer screening
If you are concerned about a mole, skin growth, or would like a skin cancer screening in Singapore, early assessment is essential.
Our clinic provides:
- comprehensive mole checks and skin checks
- expert diagnosis of suspicious moles and skin lesions
- advanced monitoring including mole mapping where appropriate
Contact us today to arrange your skin cancer screening and ensure any suspicious lesion is detected early.