Comprehensive Skin Checks

Regularly checking your skin can be life-saving, particularly when it comes to identifying early signs of skin cancer. While many moles and skin lesions are harmless, changes in their appearance should never be ignored. Seeking a professional skin assessment—especially one that includes dermoscopy—can significantly improve early detection and outcomes.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and its incidence continues to rise. The good news is that when detected early, most types of skin cancer are highly treatable. This makes awareness and timely assessment essential.

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Why professional skin checks matter

Many people attempt to monitor their own moles, which is important, but it is not a substitute for a trained clinical evaluation. Subtle changes in colour, structure, or vascular patterns are often not visible to the naked eye. Dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique using magnification and polarised light, allows clinicians to assess these features in much greater detail.

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A professional skin check is particularly important if you notice:

• A mole changing in size, shape, or colour

• A new lesion that looks different from others (“the ugly duckling”)

• A lesion that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal

• Persistent itching, tenderness, or inflammation in a mole

 

Early assessment can provide reassurance when lesions are benign and ensure prompt referral or treatment when needed.

 

Understanding common skin cancers

Skin cancer is broadly divided into melanoma and non-melanoma types. The most common non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratosis (AK), the latter being a pre-cancerous condition that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads but can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated.

Key risk factors include:

• Chronic sun exposure, particularly cumulative UV damage over time

• Fair skin, light eyes, and a tendency to burn rather than tan

• Increasing age

• Previous history of skin cancer

• Immunosuppression (e.g. organ transplant recipients)

• Exposure to ionising radiation or arsenic (less common)

 

BCCs often appear as pearly or translucent nodules, sometimes with visible blood vessels, or as non-healing sores.

 

Actinic Keratosis (AK)

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that develop on sun-exposed skin. While not cancerous themselves, they are considered pre-malignant and can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma.

Risk factors include:

• Long-term sun exposure, especially in outdoor occupations

• Fair skin types (Fitzpatrick I–II)

• Older age

• Male gender (slightly higher risk)

• Immunosuppression

 

AKs are often easier to feel than see and may present as rough, sandpaper-like patches on the face, scalp, or hands.

 

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common but far more serious due to its potential to spread (metastasise). Early detection is critical and dramatically improves survival rates.

Risk factors include:

• Intermittent intense sun exposure and history of sunburns, particularly in childhood

• Use of tanning beds

• Multiple or atypical (dysplastic) moles

• Personal or family history of melanoma

• Fair skin, freckling, and light hair or eyes

• Immunosuppression

 

Melanomas often follow the ABCDE pattern:

• Asymmetry

• Border irregularity

• Colour variation

• Diameter greater than 6 mm (though smaller lesions can still be malignant)

• Evolving or changing over time

 

When to seek medical advice

If you are unsure about a mole or skin lesion, it is always better to have it assessed sooner rather than later. Many patients delay seeking advice due to uncertainty or fear, but early evaluation is quick, non-invasive, and can provide clarity.

At IYASU Healthcare, Dr Catherine Fernando offers mole checks with dermoscopy for early detection of skin cancer. Based in Longniddry, the service supports patients across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders, and Edinburgh, providing accessible and timely assessments in a reassuring clinical environment. Where appropriate, patients can be referred promptly for further investigation or treatment.

 

Final thoughts

Your skin is the body’s largest organ, and changes should not be overlooked. Being proactive about skin health—through self-monitoring and professional checks—plays a crucial role in early detection of skin cancer.

If you notice a changing mole or have any concerns about your skin, arranging a professional assessment can offer both reassurance and, when necessary, timely intervention.