Mole Check and Skin Cancer Screening
MOH-Accredited Dermatologist | Oxford Fellowship Trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery & Advanced Dermatologic Surgery
Consult Dr Tay Liang Kiat, a fully accredited dermatologist in Singapore with more than 25 years of clinical experience. He manages medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children’s skin conditions, skin cancers, and other complex dermatological concerns.
What is Skin Cancer Screening?
Skin cancer screening is a type of examination in which a dermatologist thoroughly examines your skin for signs of skin cancer or precancerous conditions. By checking your skin from head to toe, a dermatologist for skin cancer screening can detect any signs of skin cancer and start a suitable treatment as soon as possible.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are 3 main types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell cancer (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is a cancer of the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis. It is sometimes called a rodent ulcer as it slowly grows into the skin causing bleeding and ulceration. - Squamous cell cancer (SCC)
Squamous cell cancer, or SCC, is a cancer of the cells in the outer layer of the skin. Usually, SCCs develop slowly and if they are left untreated for a long time, they can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body. - Melanoma (cancerous mole)
Melanoma is a skin cancer which can develop in an existing mole or start as a new mole. Those with multiple moles, abnormal moles and a strong family history of melanoma are at increased risk of developing melanoma.
What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening
When you book a skin cancer screening in Singapore, your dermatologist will first ask about any spots that cause concern. They may also ask about your family health history and whether you have prolonged sun exposure. Do let them know if you are taking any medications as well.
Next, the dermatologist will conduct a physical examination of every part of your body for any abnormal spots that may be possible signs of skin cancer. This examination is generally painless, and you will typically be asked to change into a gown or to expose the areas to be checked. Your dermatologist may also use a dermatoscope, a magnifying tool, to examine any concerning spots more closely.
After the screening, the dermatologist may recommend several steps based on your skin condition. If you have many moles, they may need to be photographed as a visual record to track their changes over time. If your dermatologist finds spots that are suspected to be pre-cancerous, they may recommend immediate treatments, such as freezing with liquid nitrogen.
If further examination of certain spots is needed, your dermatologist may advise you to get a biopsy. This procedure involves numbing the area, obtaining a sample from the spot, and sending it to the laboratory for further examination. You may typically get your biopsy results within a week.
Cost of Skin Cancer Screening in Singapore
The cost of a skin cancer check in Singapore may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the examination, the number of lesions assessed, and whether additional procedures such as dermatoscopy or biopsy are required.
In general, a consultation is needed for the dermatologist to evaluate your skin and advise on the appropriate next steps. If further investigations or treatments are recommended, the overall cost may differ accordingly. At Stratum Skin and Surgery, our professional dermatologist will give a professional assessment to better understand the scope of evaluation and associated fees.
How Long Does Skin Cancer Screening Take?
A skin cancer screening in Singapore typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. However, if you have many spots or lesions, the screening may take longer to ensure that all areas are photographed.
Why Are Skin Cancer Checks Important in Singapore?
In Singapore’s tropical climate, individuals are exposed to consistent ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the year, which may contribute to skin damage over time. While skin cancer is less common compared to some Western countries, cases do occur and may present in subtle ways that are not easily noticed.
Regular skin cancer checks can help identify suspicious changes early, particularly for individuals with prolonged sun exposure, fair or sensitive skin, or a history of frequent outdoor activities. Early evaluation by a dermatologist supports timely diagnosis and appropriate management when needed.
In addition to regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist, you may also benefit from performing self-examinations every 1-2 months. Take note of any new appearances or changes in existing skin lesions, and inform your dermatologist of further checks as soon as possible.
How do we check the moles for skin cancer at home?
- The incidence of skin cancer and melanoma is on the rise despite warnings of the dangerous effects of sun exposure.
- It is important for regular mole checks and skin check to detect skin cancer early.
- If left undiagnosed and untreated, melanoma can evolve and spread to other parts of the body which can be fatal.
Features of suspicious moles
Benefits of Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer screening may be a line of defense against skin cancer, with benefits such as:
May Help Provide Early Detection
Detecting early signs of skin cancer may significantly increase the chances of a successful treatment. This is especially important for initial signs that may be unnoticeable without a professional examination, such as smaller spots or growths in concealed areas. Early detection is particularly important for preventing the spread of melanoma.
May Help Monitor Skin Lesions
Skin lesions may grow or change over time. Informing your dermatologist about any skin lesions you notice is important, as it helps them pay closer attention to these areas and detect whether they become malignant, allowing early treatment when they are more treatable.
May Help Plan a More Effective Treatment
If skin cancer is detected during screening, a dermatologist can plan treatment to manage it, such as surgery, topical treatments, or other interventions. If the spots are pre-cancerous, they may implement preventive strategies, such as lifestyle changes, to halt their progression.
When Should You Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening in Singapore?
For most people, getting an annual skin cancer check is considered an effective preventive measure, especially for individuals whose skin burns easily in the sun. For high-risk individuals, such as those who have a personal or family history of skin cancer or multiple dysplastic nevi, the dermatologist may recommend more frequent skin cancer screenings every 3 to 6 months. Individuals with a compromised immune system, many moles or freckling, or who often use tanning beds are also considered high-risk and should get more frequent screenings.
In addition to regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist, you may also benefit from performing self-examinations every 1-2 months. Take note of any new appearances or changes in existing skin lesions, and inform your dermatologist of further checks as soon as possible.
Book a Skin Cancer Screening in Singapore
The goal of skin cancer screening is to detect any skin abnormalities that may require further evaluation and appropriate treatment. Early detection of skin cancer through regular screenings may increase the chance of reducing its morbidity.
At Stratum Skin and Surgery, we aim to give you peace of mind and help provide a proper diagnosis of your skin condition. Book a screening session with our team of experienced dermatologists and get a thorough evaluation today!
Book a Consultation & Protect Your Skin
Our team of experienced dermatologists and skin surgeons are here to help you identify, diagnose, and manage any suspicious skin changes with precision and care. Don’t ignore unusual spots or slow-healing lesions, book your appointment today for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.
Our Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
Background
- UK (Oxford) Fellowship trained Dermatologist, specialising in Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Advanced Dermatologic Surgery
- UK-educated with more than 25 years clinical experience
- Accredited Dermatologist by Ministry of Health and Specialist Accreditation Board, Singapore
- Former Senior Dermatologist in private dermatology group practice
- Former Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Dermatology Surgery Services and Eczema Clinic at Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Former Visiting Consultant Dermatologist at Military Medical Institute Specialist Centre, Singapore Armed Forces
Fellowship & Accreditation
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Glasgow, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, UK
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology), Singapore
- Fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Advanced Dermatologic Surgery, University of Oxford, UK
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Contact Information
Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465
Email Address
- contact@stratumskin.com.sg
Book an Appointment
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Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465