MOLE CHECK SKIN CHECK
Skin check / Mole Check
A skin check/ mole check is highly recommended in the following situations:
- If you have a mole/ spot on the skin that developed recently and looks unusual
- If you have an existing mole or spot that seems to have changed in colour/ shape/ size/texture or is bleeding
- If you previously had a skin cancer
- If you have a family history of skin cancer
- If you are fair-skinned- it is recommended for fair-skinned adults to get a skin check with a dermatologist once a year
Skin Cancers
Skin cancers are one of the commoner cancers. Risk factors for developing skin cancers include:
- Fair skin- individuals with lighter skin tones are at higher risk than darker skin tones
- Skin that burns easily under the sun
- Excessive ultraviolet light exposure
- Taking of Immunosuppressive medications over a long period of time
- Old age
- A family history of skin cancer, or a personal history of skin cancer
Skin biopsy
A skin biopsy is a simple, in-clinic procedure whereby your dermatologist takes a small skin sample from the affected area. This is performed under local anaesthesia, under sterile conditions. Some stitches may be required to close the small wound after the biopsy. The skin sample is then sent for analysis/ histological examination.
A skin biopsy is a diagnostic test which may be necessary under the following circumstances:
- Suspected skin cancer
- Unusual rash whereby a diagnosis needs to be established —eg suspected autoimmune skin disease, suspected cutaneous lymphoma