Mole assessment at Chichester Hospital

FAQs

• How often should I check my moles?

  You should check your moles once a month.

• Can a mole assessment diagnose skin cancer?

  Not on its own. A mole assessment or scan helps identify moles that look suspicious and may need further investigation, but a formal diagnosis usually requires a biopsy, where a sample of the mole is examined under a microscope.

• Can melanoma look different on darker skin?

  Yes. Melanoma can be harder to spot on black and brown skin due to a masking effect from the surrounding skin. It's also more likely to appear in less common places, such as under the nails or on the palms and soles, so these areas are worth checking too.

• What is a dermatoscope?

  A dermatoscope is a handheld magnifying tool that lets a doctor, nurse or specialist view a mole at around 10 times its normal size. This makes it easier to spot the kind of detailed changes that aren't visible to the naked eye.

• Which areas of skin do people commonly forget to check?

  Commonly overlooked areas include the scalp, behind the ears, the back of the neck, the soles of the feet, between the toes, under the nails, and the back and shoulders. Using a mirror or asking someone else to help can make these easier to check.

• What happens if my mole assessment shows something concerning?

  You'll be referred for a closer look, either by a specialist dermatologist or through a further test such as a biopsy. If a mole turns out to be a melanoma, the main treatment is surgery to remove it.