Frequently asked questions about mole screening

Why should I choose The Skin Clinic?

The Skin Clinic is one of the first groups in the UK to introduce the latest mole screening technology called computer-aided dermoscopy and our expert system is more accurate than the normal method of assessing if a particular mole is potentially a malignant melanoma.

This technology provides enhanced digital images, automated analysis, computerised mole mapping and electronic records of your moles, so that changes can be monitored.

There are only a handful of our systems in the UK, compared to over 600 in Germany, where the system was developed.

Who is most at risk from skin cancer?

During your first mole screening visit we go through a questionnaire with you to see whether you are at higher risk, assessing variables like your age, your family history, your skin type, whether you have been badly sunburned at some stage (especially when young) and how many moles you have. If you are at higher risk, we suggest you are screened annually.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and doctors agree that increased exposure to the sun is the main reason why its incidence is going up all the time.

Cancer Research UK estimates that each year there are over 60,000 reported new cases of skin cancer. The least common but most dangerous form is malignant melanoma, with about 7,300 new cases each year causing about 1,500 deaths. Malignant melanoma spreads quickly and kills more than 1 in 4 sufferers. By 2010 it is estimated that 1 in 50 people will have a melanoma sometime during their life.

How much does mole screening cost?

Please refer to our mole screening prices.

Is mole screening safe?

Mole screening is non-invasive and completely safe. It is a diagnostic procedure, not a treatment.

What are the risk factors of mole screening?

• Mole screening is only a diagnostic service. It is not a treatment for skin cancer.
• Using a process called computer-aided dermoscopy, The Skin Clinic checks unusual moles for malignant melanoma only.
• Mole screening prices increase if The Skin Clinic takes digital images of more than 10 unusual moles.
• Dermoscopy provides a risk score for each mole that is examined. The maximum score is 10 and the higher the score, the more suspicious the mole. Some higher scores may require more detailed analysis by The Skin Clinic and its consultants after your visit.
• Although dermoscopy is statistically very accurate, like all medical screening systems, it will very occasionally be wrong. It is possible (but unlikely) that it will predict a malignant melanoma when there is none present, or fail to identify a malignant melanoma which is already present. The only known method of confirming the existence of malignant melanoma is by excision and histology.
• Malignant melanoma can develop at any time and the results of any one mole screening visit cannot be used to contradict previous results.

Who will carry out my screening?

Your mole screening will be carried out by an experienced nurse or clinician. If appropriate, your results will be forwarded electronically to our medical director and may be shown to an independent consultant.

How long does an appointment take?

Your first mole screening visit will probably take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on how many atypical moles you have screened.

How will information be stored?

We will create a confidential personal electronic file for you. This will include any personal details you give us and the digital images from your screening. If appropriate, your data and results may be forwarded electronically within our network of consultants.

Your file will be retained for five years after your most recent visit, so that if you return within that time for regular screening, the dermoscope can check for any changes.

Can I still be screened if I am pregnant, or breastfeeding?

Yes. Mole screening is non-invasive and completely safe. In fact, some researchers believe that it is useful to be screened during pregnancy, as your pigmentation (the colour of your skin and your moles) is particularly susceptible to change at this time.

Should I be worried if my child also has moles?

Malignant melanoma is very rare in children, but not unheard of. We only recommend screening children if there is a strong family history of melanoma, or if you are worried about a new or changing mole.

High incidences of sunburn in young children increase the risk of skin cancer in later life. Careful sun protection is recommended, including sunscreens which help protect against UV-A and UV-B. You may also want to consider protective beach wear.

Can I visit The Skin Clinic for free under the NHS?

No. The Skin Clinic is a private company and charges for mole screening services. Click here to see our prices.

Is mole screening available for free under the NHS?

At the moment there is no general screening programme in the UK for malignant melanoma, where everyone is examined for abnormal moles. Some hospitals run special mole clinics or you can ask your GP to check a suspicious mole.

Do I need to be referred to The Skin Clinic by my GP?

No. You may be recommended to The Skin Clinic by your GP, but you can also contact us directly.

Can my GP check a suspicious mole?

You can ask your GP to check a suspicious mole and all family doctors are trained to carry out a normal ABCD test.

However our full mole screening service checks all your moles, not just the one you think is suspicious. Many moles are in areas you cannot see by yourself, so a thorough examination is important. The mole screening carried out at The Skin Clinic would also be considerably more reliable because we use a computer enhanced dermoscope and this expert system is more accurate than the normal ABCD test.

If we find a suspicious or potentially dangerous mole, our medical director can send your results to your GP who would decide if you need treatment. Your GP would also decide whether or not to add your mole screening results to your medical records at your local surgery.

Alternatively, if you prefer private healthcare or you have private medical insurance, our medical director would introduce you to our network of independent dermatologists, consultant surgeons and specialist physicians. Medical partners include Skin Check in Farnham, Surrey and the Odiham Health Centre.

Will my private medical insurance pay for mole screening?

Most private health insurers do not pay for the costs of screening. However, if you are referred to a dermatologist regarding a possible mole removal, it is possible your health insurance will cover this. You would have to ask your insurer.

If you have any other question please use the form below to ask it.

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