Should you get your moles checked by a dermatologist regularly?
We’ve all got moles, but how often do we think about getting them checked? For most people, the answer might be “not often enough.” Moles are so common and are generally harmless that we don’t usually associate them with something as serious as cancer. However, certain types of moles, especially if they show unusual changes, can potentially develop into melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
Given that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, should you be worried about that beauty mark on your face that’s become your signature? What about that slightly raised mole on your arm that seemed to appear out of nowhere? Is it time to see a dermatologist for a check-up?
We asked Dr. Yada Itthipanichpong, a dermatologist at MedPark Hospital Bangkok, when to check our moles and how it can help detect skin cancer early.
Why mole checks are important for skin cancer prevention
When it comes to mole checks, many of us might think, “It’s just a mole, what’s the worst that could happen?” The answer, according to Dr. Yada, is that failing to monitor your moles could lead to late detection of skin cancer or, including its deadliest form, melanoma. While melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 70% of skin cancer-related deaths.
“When you come in for a regular mole check, we can detect skin cancer really early, which significantly improves treatment outcomes,” she explains. In fact, over 95% of skin cancers can be treated successfully if they are detected and addressed before they have a chance to spread.
Getting a mole check may even help prevent cancer altogether. During the examination, your dermatologist can detect pre-cancerous lesions, where cells have started to mutate but haven’t yet turned into full-blown skin cancer. “If the mutation is still in the epidermis [the upper layer of the skin], that’s not cancer yet. But once it goes deeper into the dermis, we call it cancer. Catching it early allows us to treat it before it becomes invasive,” Dr. Yada adds.
Treatments like cryotherapy, where abnormal cells are frozen using liquid nitrogen, can stop the progression of these pre-cancerous cells, preventing the need for more invasive procedures later on.
What are the signs of a suspicious mole?
Knowing when a mole is more than just a mole can be tricky. But Dr. Yada offers a handy acronym: A, B, C, D, E, F. It’s an easy guide that everyone should know.
- A is for Asymmetry: If one half of the mole doesn’t match the other, that’s a red flag.
- B stands for Borders: Healthy moles have clear, well-defined borders, while cancerous ones may have irregular or blurry edges.
- C is for Colour: A single colour, such as light brown, is normal. But if your mole has multiple colours, like dark brown, black, or even blue, it could indicate a problem.
- D is for Diameter: You need to consider checking any moles larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E stands for Evolution: If the mole changes in size, shape, or texture, or if it starts to bleed, seek medical attention.
- F stands for Family History: If skin cancer runs in your family, you’re at a higher risk and should schedule checks more frequently.
Dr. Yada points out that while it’s tempting to ignore these signs, especially when a mole isn’t causing any discomfort, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. “Even if you’ve had a recent check-up, you should come in right away if you notice changes in your moles,” she advises. “Sometimes it can be just pre-cancerous lesions or sometimes it may be viral warts, which can lead to skin cancer, too. Even if that wart is not cancerous, when we scratch it, it can spread to other parts of your body, something like that,” she says.
Who should be getting their moles checked?
While mole checks are important for everyone, certain individuals are at higher risk for skin cancer. Dr. Yada highlights two main categories: intrinsic factors and environmental factors.
“Your genetics play a big role,” she says. “People with fair skin, red hair, or light eyes are more susceptible to developing melanoma.” As mentioned above, family history is another significant factor. If someone in your family has had skin cancer, your own risk goes up.
But even if you don’t have these genetic predispositions, environmental factors like sun exposure can still increase your risk. “People who spend a lot of time in the sun, whether for work or leisure, should be especially vigilant,” Dr. Yada cautions. This includes retirees who may enjoy more outdoor activities but might not be aware of the cumulative effects of sun damage on their skin.
“Sun damage doesn’t just disappear,” she warns. “Even if you’ve started taking care of your skin later in life, the damage from years of sun exposure can still make you more prone to skin cancer.”
How often should you get your moles checked by a dermatologist?
The frequency of mole checks can vary depending on your risk factors. For the average person, Dr. Yada recommends an annual check-up. However, for those with a history of sun damage, pre-cancerous lesions, or a family history of skin cancer, she suggests more frequent visits, ideally every three to six months.
What happens during a mole check at MedPark Hospital Bangkok?
If you’ve never had a mole check, the idea of stripping down for a full-body examination might feel intimidating. But Dr. Yada assures us that the process of mole check or skin cancer screening at MedPark Hospital Bangkok is thorough, professional, and nothing to be afraid of.
A typical mole check at MedPark Hospital Bangkok involves both clinical observation and the use of advanced diagnostic tools.
Mole mapping and dermoscopy
“We begin by taking pictures of the entire body in a process called mole mapping,” she explains. “This involves capturing images of every part of your body—your face, scalp, chest, back, everywhere. Then we focus on each area in detail.” When done regularly, mole mapping allows dermatologists to track any changes or new growth, which helps them identify suspicious lesions early on.
Following the mole mapping, the dermatologist will use a dermatoscope to inspect any moles that appear suspicious. A dermatoscope is a handheld device that dermatologists use in a procedure called dermoscopy. It provides a magnified view of the skin, allowing dermatologists to examine skin lesions more closely. Both mole mapping and dermoscopy are non-invasive.
Skin biopsy
If any abnormalities are found, a biopsy may be performed to remove a small sample of tissue for further analysis. The type of biopsy depends on the suspected type of cancer. MedPark Hospital Bangkok offers several biopsy methods, including shave biopsy, punch biopsy and excisional biopsy.
“Normally, we start with a simple shave biopsy, which is a superficial cut of the top layer of skin,” Dr. Yada explains. “Or we might do a punch biopsy, where we remove a small cylindrical sample of tissue for testing.” They then send the tissue to a pathology lab, where specialists determine whether the mole is benign, cancerous, or atypical.
If a mole turns out to be cancerous, further medical treatment will be necessary. For atypical moles, your dermatologist may suggest removing the mole along with a small margin of surrounding skin as a precaution. While these moles are benign, they have irregular features under a microscope and require closer attention because people with atypical moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
That said, there’s no need to panic if you’re having a mole biopsy since most results come back benign.
What treatment options are available for skin cancer at MedPark Hospital Bangkok?
Should a mole turn out to be cancerous, MedPark Hospital Bangkok offers cutting-edge treatments to help patients get the best outcomes. These include freezing (cryotherapy), surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and Mohs surgery, among others.
The treatment varies depending on the type and stage of skin cancer, and it involves a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach with a team of specialists: dermatologists who perform the surgery, dermatopathologists who analyse the tissue, and technicians skilled in processing cancerous cells. For more complex cases, such as invasive skin cancers, the team includes plastic surgeons who can carry out skin grafts and reconstructive procedures.
Mohs micrographic surgery
One of the most advanced treatment options is Mohs micrographic surgery, which is highly effective for skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other less common types.
“Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating skin cancer,” explains Dr. Yada. “Its cure rate is incredibly high, close to 99%, because it allows us to remove the cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.” The procedure involves removing the skin layer by layer, examining each one under a microscope for cancer cells, and continuing until no cancer is detected. With this technique, doctors can eliminate all traces of cancer while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Dr. Yada notes that Mohs surgery is especially beneficial for visible or sensitive areas, such as the face or places where the skin is tight. The goal is to completely remove the cancer without compromising the appearance or function of the surrounding skin. By precisely targeting only the affected tissue, it greatly reduces the need for additional treatments or surgeries.
Doctors usually perform Mohs surgery under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. “If the lesion isn’t too large, it’s a quick process, similar to a routine skin biopsy.” However, if the cancer covers a larger area or requires additional reconstruction, the recovery time could be longer. Nonetheless, Mohs surgery remains a fast and effective solution that offers high cure rates.
Regular mole checks may save lives
So, should you get your moles checked by a dermatologist regularly? The answer is yes. Whether you’ve noticed a change in a mole or are simply concerned about your skin health, regular check-ups with a dermatologist are essential for early detection and effective treatment of skin cancer.
“Early detection makes all the difference,” says Dr. Yada. “The sooner we can catch skin cancer, the less invasive the treatment will be. It’s far better to have a quick, non-invasive procedure than to wait until you need a larger, more complex treatment.”
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it deserves the same level of care as any other part of your health routine. If you’re in Bangkok, there’s no excuse not to schedule regular mole checks, especially with top-tier care available at MedPark Hospital Bangkok. So, take the time to check in with a dermatologist today. Visit MedPark Hospital Bangkok’s website today for further details and to book a mole check appointment, or complete the form below. Your skin will thank you.
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