The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Skin cancer can appear in different ways. Common symptoms include the appearance of a new mole, changes in existing moles, skin ulcers, itching, and bleeding.
A mole check performed by a dermatologist is especially necessary for those with skin cancer in close relatives, light or freckled skin, a large amount of lifetime sun exposure, or repeated sunburns during childhood.
Mole Check
In a mole check, a dermatologist carefully examines the whole skin, looking for possible abnormal moles and precancerous stages of skin cancer.
The dermatologist uses a dermatoscope, which allows deeper skin levels to be seen and reveals structures that are invisible to the naked eye, such as features of moles and skin growths.
A mole check is a key part of the early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be successfully treated if they are detected at an early stage.
