Skin Cancer Screening
Single Mole Check
A Single Mole Check is an assessment for adults who are concerned about a specific mole or skin lesion. If you have noticed a change in a mole, or have a lesion that you would like assessed, the appointment provides a detailed clinical examination.
Your assessment is carried out by a Skin Cancer Screening Nurse using advanced dermoscopy. This allows the lesion to be examined in greater detail and assessed for features that may be associated with melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Following the assessment, you will be advised on the clinical findings and whether any further investigation, monitoring or treatment is recommended.
Suitability
Who is a Single Mole Check for?
A Single Mole Check is intended for adults who would like a particular mole or skin lesion assessed. You may wish to arrange an assessment if you have noticed:
- 01A mole that looks different from your other moles
- 02A new mole or lesion
- 03A change in the size, shape or border of a mole
- 04A change in colour or more than one colour within a lesion
- 05Persistent itching, bleeding or crusting
- 06A lesion that is not healing normally
These changes do not necessarily mean that a lesion is cancerous, but they can warrant clinical assessment.
Your appointment
What happens during a Single Mole Check?
Your appointment begins with a discussion about the mole or skin lesion you would like assessed, including any changes you may have noticed.
Cost
How much does a Single Mole Check cost?
£70per mole or lesion
Where appropriate, dermoscopic images taken during your appointment are securely retained as part of your clinical record. This can allow the appearance of the lesion to be compared if you require a future assessment.
If you have concerns about several moles or lesions, a Full Body Skin Check may provide a more suitable comprehensive assessment and offer better value.
Insurance
Is a Single Mole Check covered by private medical insurance?
Single Mole Checks are generally self-funded, as screening appointments are not usually covered by private medical insurance. If further investigation or treatment is recommended following your assessment, your clinical report can be used to support the next stage of your care and any relevant discussions with your insurer.
Clinical oversight
Who reviews your assessment?
The assessment is undertaken by a Skin Cancer Screening Nurse with training in dermoscopic skin lesion assessment. Where the clinical findings or dermoscopic images require further consideration, they can be reviewed by a Specialist Doctor.
A Single Mole Check is a screening and assessment service. It can identify features that may warrant further investigation, but it does not provide a definitive diagnosis of skin cancer. Where a diagnosis requires tissue examination, this can only be confirmed through histopathology following biopsy or removal.
Results
When will you get your results?
Your findings will be discussed with you at the end of your appointment, including any areas that require monitoring or further assessment. You will also receive a written Single Mole Check Report documenting the clinical findings and recommended next steps.
Our approach
How do we approach skin cancer screening?
Our Skin Cancer Screening Nurses are trained in the dermoscopic assessment of skin lesions and work within established clinical pathways for the assessment of suspicious skin changes. Where a lesion requires specialist input, appropriate escalation to a Specialist Doctor or Consultant Dermatologist is available.
Booking
Book a Single Mole Check
If you are searching for a mole check or want immediate clarity regarding a concerning lesion, you can book an appointment online at a time that suits your schedule.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I have more than one mole checked during my appointment?
The Single Mole Check is designed to assess one mole or skin lesion within a 20-minute appointment. If you have two lesions you would like assessed, both can be examined during the appointment at a cost of £70 per lesion. If you have three or more moles or lesions you are concerned about, a Full Body Skin Check may be more appropriate.
What happens if my Single Mole Check identifies something that needs further assessment?
Where further investigation is advised, we can help you understand the appropriate pathway. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve further assessment by a Specialist Doctor, biopsy, treatment through The Skin Cancer Institute or referral to another appropriate provider.
Do you see patients under 18?
We treat adults only. We do not carry out procedures or assessments on anyone under the age of eighteen.
Is a Single Mole Check covered by private medical insurance?
Single Mole Checks are generally self-funded, as screening appointments are not usually covered by private medical insurance. If further investigation or treatment is recommended following your assessment, your clinical report can be used to support the next stage of your care and any relevant discussions with your insurer.